Peters Township driver faces charges
A Peters Township man faces several charges after an incident Sunday night that ended in a traffic stop on East Pike Street in Canonsburg.
Canonsburg police Officer James Saieva had just left the station to respond to a report of a pedestrian hit on Cecil Street and was behind Geoffrey Staley, 23, of 230 Center Church Road, at a traffic light on Greenside Avenue at East Pike.
When the light turned green, Staley failed to move.
After about five seconds, Saieva honked the horn. Staley reportedly put the car in reverse and backed up, almost hitting the police cruiser before pulling forward.
He also allegedly stuck his hand out the window and made an obscene gesture.
Saieva noticed Staley driving erratically.
Staley reportedly swerved into the oncoming lane, almost hitting a motorcycle.
He swerved to the right and struck the curb, police said.
He stopped and put the vehicle in reverse.
Police said Staley failed field-sobriety tests.
After a breath-alcohol test indicated no alcohol, Staley agreed to submit to a blood test.
He told police that he had had two Long Island ice teas and had taken methadone and Klonepin, which had been prescribed for him.
Police said Staley faces charges of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, reckless driving, careless driving and driving on the wrong side of the road.