Man allegedly runs over motorcyclist in Monroe County

SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Authorities say a man is in custody after police say he ran over a motorcyclist.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, on June 24 around 5:10 p.m., troopers were called to investigate a hit-and-run crash at the intersection of Seven Bridge Road at Hillside Drive in Smithfield Township with a motorcyclist injured.

The car involved was described to police as a 2004 silver Jeep Grand Cherokee with a PA license plate. State police said as troopers were driving toward the crash they saw a car matching the description fleeing at a high speed in the opposite direction.

Officials say a witness told police 32-year-old Karl Heisler was tailgating behind the motorcyclist before hitting the driver and running the bike over before continuing on Seven Bridge Road.

PSP said when Heisler was taken in custody, he was reported to have a strong odor of alcohol, his eyes appeared to be bloodshot, and his speech was “slow and thick.” Heisler admitted to troopers that he had recently consumed alcohol and marijuana.

The motorcyclist and Heisler were transported to Lehigh Valley Pocono for evaluation.

Heisler is facing careless driving, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, aggravated assault by a vehicle while driving under the influence, and multiple related charges.

Heisler was arraigned and unable to post the $25,000 bail.

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