Police: Man Issued Summons for Drinking While Driving

A 35-year-old man was issued a summons for drinking while operating a motor vehicle after causing a minor accident Wednesday afternoon, said Capt. James Clarke.

Officer Douglas Itjen observed a minor motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Ratzer and Alps Roads shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday, Clarke said.

Shawn Lynch, 35, of Philadelphia, Pa., stated to Itjen that he was texting a message and, while looking down, rear-ended the vehicle in front of him, Clarke said.

Clarke said Lynch exhibited signs of being intoxicated and, after being given field sobriety tests, was issued a summons for DUI.

Clarke said Itjen recovered a half-full bottle of vodka from the vehicle Lynch was driving. Lynch admitted to drinking from the bottle while driving, Clarke said.

After six inadequate attempts to administer an alcohol test, police stopped attempting to administer the test, Clarke said.

In addition to the DUI summons, Clarke was issued summonses for refusal to submit a breath sample, careless driving, having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle, and drinking while operating a motor vehicle, Clarke said.

Lynch was placed in a cellblock until a responsible person took custody of him or he sobered up, Clarke said.