A Hatfield man was arrested and charged June 29 after he allegedly fell asleep and crashed into a tree while under the influence near Bed Bath and Beyond in Montgomery Township.
Zahir Haynes, 21, has been charged with DUI, accidents involving death or injury while not licensed, driving with a suspended license, and related offenses, in connection with the investigation by the Montgomery Township Police Department.
Police were called to the scene of a reported crash on Bethlehem Pike and Knapp Rd at 6:22 p.m. A witness told police that two men, later identified as Haynes and his passenger, fled on foot to Bed Bath & Beyond after allegedly crashing into a tree. The two were later detained in front of the store.
Emergency Medical Services was called to the scene because the passenger sustained an injury to their head.
According to the criminal complaint, Haynes and the passenger did not report the crash to police because Haynes said he was scared and that he was not able to provide valid insurance for the vehicle.
Haynes and the passenger gave consent to police to have their pockets searched, the report states. Police noticed that Haynes’ phone was unlocked, displaying photos of marijuana in bags. Police reportedly detected the smell of marijuana emanating from the vehicle at the scene of the crash, as well as while speaking with Haynes at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Haynes reportedly admitted that he fell asleep while driving, which potentially led to the crash. Police asked the two for consent to search their backpacks, in which Haynes provided consent and the passenger did not. The search in Haynes’ bag revealed marijuana and drug paraphernalia, the report states.
Haynes was then placed into custody. He denied consent to draw blood for chemical testing, police said.
While searching the vehicle, police discovered that the current status of Haynes’ license was suspended and expired, and the license plate on the Pontiac belonged to a Subaru, the report states.
Haynes was arraigned by District Judge Maureen Coggins, who set bail at $1,500 unsecured. His next court appearance is a preliminary hearing on July 27 at 11 a.m. in front of District Judge Andrea Duffy.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using court records and the affidavit of probable cause.
See also:
Telford Man Tased After Confrontation with Police Outside of Telford Night Market, Police Say
Upper Gwynedd Man Left Infant in Vehicle Unattended While at Best Buy, Police Say
Two Men Cut Active Sewer Pipe from Apartment Complex to Sell for Scrap, Police Say
Hatfield Man Arrested After Assaulting Neighbor with Pipe, Police Say
