Whitehall man charged in vehicular assault
North Strabane Township police arrested a man Friday after he was accused of hitting a deputy sheriff from Clarion County with his vehicle.
Michael Strohl, 33, of Whitehall, faces felony charges of aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence and aggravated assault.
According to the criminal complaint, at about 2:10 p.m., Strohl struck Cole Wrhen, who was in uniform, while Wrhen was walking across the Sheetz parking lot on Racetrack Road. The vehicle hit Wrhen’s right calf and foot.
Police state in charging documents that Strohl’s vehicle smelled heavily of marijuana, and he allegedly confessed to smoking marijuana within the hour preceding the accident. Strohl consented to a blood draw and was transported to Canonsburg Hospital.
He also faces misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence, driving without a license and possession of drug paraphernalia.
District Judge Kelly Stewart arraigned Strohl Friday evening and sent him to the Washington County jail on $25,000.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Nov. 8.