A Luzerne County man was charged this week with driving under the influence after police found him stopped on Long Run Road with a heavily damaged pickup.

At 5:10 p.m. on Oct. 11, Franklin Township police were called to investigate an erratic driver. Officer Christopher Lekka soon located a gray Toyota Tacoma partially stopped in the road near 3150 Long Run Road. The truck’s front tire was completely flattened, and the right rear fender also appeared freshly damaged.

The driver, Joseph Borysewicz, 76, seemed confused and repeatedly asked what documents he needed to provide. He eventually handed over his license, but never produced proof of insurance. When asked how the truck was damaged or if he knew where he was, he told the officer, “I don’t know.”

Lekka noted signs of intoxication, including the smell of alcohol, slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. Borysewicz admitted to having “a few beers,” and a crushed beer can was found on the passenger seat.

When asked to step out for sobriety tests, Borysewicz leaned on the truck to steady himself and staggered as he walked. He struggled with the tests, prompting the officer to stop them out of concern for his safety.

Borysewicz agreed to a blood test at St. Luke’s Carbon Campus. According to lab results received Nov. 15, his blood alcohol content was 0.127.

He is charged with DUI and scattering rubbish. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 7 before District Judge William J. Kissner in Palmerton.