A Monroe County man admitted in Carbon County court on Friday to be driving under the influence when his vehicle collided with another head-on, causing serious injuries to the other driver.

Alex W. Stewart, 31, of Cresco, pleaded guilty to one count each of aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI and DUI of a controlled substance. The first count is a felony 2.

Stewart was arrested on April 28, 2020, by state police at Lehighton following a crash along Little Gap Road in Lower Towamensing Township.

Stewart was driving a U-Haul truck while under the influence of drugs when the vehicle slammed into a Ford Focus, injuring a Palmerton man.

The incident happened at 7:32 a.m. when the U-Haul truck was traveling west and the driver, Stewart, suddenly passed out, troopers said. Troopers said the truck crashed into the Focus that was traveling eastbound, dragging it 100 feet. Police said the victim sustained severe injuries and was transported to the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest.

Troopers said Stewart was administered several standard field sobriety tests and a drug recognition expert evaluation and was found to be under the influence of controlled substances. A chemical test of his blood was then administered. The police report also indicated Stewart admitted using illegal drugs before the crash.

Stewart entered his plea before President Judge Roger N. Nanovic II via video from the county prison where he has been an inmate since the incident.

The victim suffered severe injuries including head trauma. He was present in the courtroom for the plea hearing.

Nanovic deferred sentencing ordering the adult probation office to prepare a presentence investigation report.