Log In


Reset Password

Driver suspected of DUI hits state police cruiser on Turnpike

A Pennsylvania state trooper was injured and an unmarked cruiser was severely damaged during an incident on the Turnpike in Luzerne County Saturday night.

Turnpike state police said at 9:15 p.m. Trooper Joseph Splendido, 53, was in a cruiser was at the side of the road at mile marker 97.6. A 2006 Pontiac Torrent, clocked at 93 mph, was traveling northbound when it hit the concrete barrier, went off the berm and hit the cruiser.

Splendido was taken to Wilkes-Barre General, where he was treated and released.

The driver of the Torrent, Yerson Adolpho Garcia Guzman, 28, of Duryea, was admitted to Geisinger hospital in Wilkes-Barre and his passenger Sharitzy Singh Santiago, 44, of Duryea was taken to Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

The incident is under investigation. Police said Garcia Guzman and Santiago are suspected of bring under the influence. Charges are expected to be filed.

Lake Harmony and Lehighton ambulance were dispatched to the scene. Kidder Township Fire Department was also dispatched.

The unmarked state police car was severely damaged when it was hit by the car on the right. COPYRIGHT LARRY NEFF/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
A guide rail at mile marker 97.6 on the Pennsylvania Turnpike was damaged when a car hit a state police cruiser Saturday night. COPYRIGHT LARRY NEFF/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS