Tractor-trailer driver admits to using heroin, marijuana before crash

BURRELL TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A tractor-trailer driver involved in a crash in Indiana County admitted to police that he used heroin and marijuana prior to the crash, according to the criminal complaint.

Hunter Geslein, of Connecticut, is facing DUI, reckless endangerment and other charges.

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The accident was reported about 8 a.m. Monday on Route 22 in Burrell Township. The truck, which was hauling metal scrapings and battery strippings, overturned and hit six other vehicles.

“The vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed coming down all the way from Penn View Mountain,” said Ab Dettorre of the Blairsville Fire Department.

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Police said Geslien failed to stop for a red light and crossed over into the intersection. The truck started to sway and then tipped over.

The driver of a red Toyota pickup truck was taken to a hospital but did not suffer any broken bones. No other injuries were reported.

According to a criminal complaint, when police spoke to Geslein at the scene, his voice was low and raspy and his pupils were constricted.

He told police he had been using heroin and marijuana before the crash, the complaint said. Police found suspected marijuana and a smoking pipe in Geslien's vehicle.

Route 22 eastbound was closed between Villa Road and Route 119 until about 1 p.m.

Road crews had to bring in backhoes and heavy brushes to sweep up the mess on the highway before the travel lanes could be opened again.

Cox Media Group