A woman faces charges after striking a telephone pole and natural gas line earlier this month in Palmerton.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by Detective Kevin Buck in the case against Leanna Altemose:

A vehicle struck a gas line in the area of the Third Street basketball court in the borough on Nov. 2.

After looking at security camera video, police determined a silver/grayish-colored vehicle went in reverse and struck both a telephone pole and a natural gas line, causing a gas leak.

The vehicle’s driver, Altemose, 36, stopped, opened the driver’s side door and then quickly left the scene.

About 45 seconds after the crash and with gas leaking, about 10 juveniles ran from the area.

On Nov. 11, while conducting a follow-up investigation police learned that Altemose was in the Carbon County Correctional Facility.

Buck learned that Altemose was picked up by Bethlehem Police Department on parole warrants and was committed to the Carbon County jail on Nov. 7.

Bethlehem Police Department told Buck that Altemose was picked up at the Wind Creek Casino and was operating a 2007 Chrysler 200, which was consistent with the vehicle in the video from the Palmerton gas leak incident.

Buck interviewed Altemose, who said that she was at the Third Street ball field to see her kids and give them money.

Upon leaving, she said backed up, and didn’t see anything in her mirrors, but knew she struck something and heard the hissing. She said she thought it was her tire.

Altemose said she went to the laundromat by a convenience store to check the damage which she noted to be the rear bumper as well as the rear passenger panel, and found out later that evening that she had hit a gas line. She said didn’t call Palmerton Police Department because she knew a warrant had been issued for her that day.

Altemose then provided a written statement consistent with that account.

Altemose faces charges of causing or risking catastrophe, recklessly endangering another person, accidents involving damage to unattended vehicle, and duty to give information and render aid.

She is in the Carbon County Correctional Facility in lieu of $5,000 straight bail, and scheduled to have a preliminary hearing Dec. 7 before District Judge William J. Kissner of Palmerton.