breaking

Pennsylvania Driver Charged With 22 Counts in Nine-Vehicle Crash

An Erie, Pennsylvania commercial driver faces 22 charges after a July 23 collision involving nine vehicles on West 12th and Myrtle streets. Irabaruta Ezechiel operated a 2022 Freightliner semi-truck eastbound through the 300 block of West 12th Street when it struck station wagons stopped at a red light, then struck motorcycles, according to court filings. Five motorcycle operators and nine station wagon occupants were at the scene. Ezechiel was arrested July 24 after fleeing the cab with a case of Bud Light bottles. Witnesses pursued and subdued him behind a U-Haul. Officers noted signs consistent with alcohol impairment, including bloodshot eyes and a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. Blood samples were collected and sent to Pennsylvania State Police for testing. Eight of ten injured victims received treatment at UPMC Hamot Hospital, with two serious injuries and six minor injuries reported. Bail was denied following Ezechiel's arrest.