Suspected DUI driver arrested after crashes
CLEARFIELD TWP — A collision with a state police cruiser did not stop a suspected drunken driver during an early morning chase Sunday, authorities said.
A subsequent crash into a utility pole didn't either.
When troopers eventually put an end to the pursuit, Alexander J. Lefever, 25, of Clinton Township allegedly told them he did not stop because his license was suspended.
A breath test later allegedly showed he was twice the state's legal limit for alcohol, police said.
Lefever is facing more than a dozen charges, including a pair of felonies. He is free on $100,000 bail while on pretrial supervision.
Troopers said they attempted to stop the defendant shortly after 2 a.m. when they spotted his GMC Yukon with an expired license plate on South Clearfield Road near Route 422 in Clearfield Township.
But when police activated their emergency lights and siren, the defendant allegedly sped up. He allegedly accelerated to speeds of more than 80 mph while troopers gave chase.
During the pursuit, according to charging documents, Lefever crossed into the opposing lane. He eventually lost control of his sport utility vehicle while approaching Herman Road and spun out.
The vehicle's passenger side rear quarter panel struck the front of the police cruiser, which sustained moderate damage.
The crash, however, didn't stop the defendant, police said. He allegedly sped up, but again spun out, hitting a utility pole.
Police said he again accelerated and traveled through the parking lot of the T-Bar before returning to South Clearfield Road and heading back toward Route 422.
At the intersection, police said they were able to pin his vehicle in and put an end to the chase.
Lefever, who smelled of alcohol, documents said, admitted that he had been drinking at a local bar.
“The defendant stated he ran due to a suspended driver's license,” said police Cpl. Shawn Armagost in his affidavit.
Court records showed the license was suspended for a previous DUI.
Police took Lefever to the barracks in Butler Township for a breath test that showed his blood-alcohol level was 0.177 percent. A level of 0.08 percent is considered intoxicated under state law.
District Judge Lewis Stoughton arraigned Lefever on felony charges of fleeing or attempting to elude police, and flight to avoid apprehension.
Additionally, he was arraigned on misdemeanor charges of DUI, disorderly conduct and hit-and-run. Police also cited him for eight traffic violations.
