A Lansford man was admitted into the Accelerated Rehabilitation Program in Schuylkill County Court recently.

Stephen Melnick, 54, was accepted for two driving under the influence charges, First District Attorney Mike Stine said. He had previously pleaded guilty to a driving violation and received a $25 fine, he said.

Prosectors withdrew charges of an obstructed window and driving at a safe speed.

Common Pleas Judge Charles Miller said he must pay a $500 assessment fee, $300 substance abuse fee and other costs. Completion of an alcohol highway safety school course and substance abuse treatment are required.

Tamaqua Police said the Feb. 27 incident in the borough took place as they saw a snow-covered vehicle leave the road when he was traveling westbound on Route 209, about half a mile west of the Coaldale/Tamaqua line. Police stopped the car. Melnick was ordered out to clean off the snow. He had difficulty keeping his balance and fell, police said.

Before he got out of the car, Melnick denied having alcohol. He said he was diabetic.

Police arrested him for suspicion of DUI. He was taken to St. Luke’s Miners Campus. Test results showed he had a blood alcohol level of 0.213, police said.