State police charge Pottsville man after wrong-way crash on Route 61

A Pottsville man fled the scene of a wrong-way crash on Route 61 in North Manheim Twp. and then had his ignition key removed by a witness, according to police.

State police at Schuylkill Haven identified the driver in the April 7 incident as Robert J. Klinger, 54.

Police charged Klinger with three misdemeanors: driving under the influence; DUI/blood alcohol 0.16 and greater; and accidents involving damage to attended vehicle or property. He also faces 14 summary charges.

Police said the crash occurred around 8:25 p.m. as Klinger, who was driving a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, was traveling north in the southbound lanes.

His pickup hit a southbound 2006 BMW driven by Michael F. Brown, 42, of Saint Clair, police said.

Attempting to avoid a collision, Brown had braked and swerved, but the two vehicles collided head-on, police said.

Brown’s vehicle then hit the concrete barrier dividing the highway. He was able to pull over to the shoulder of the road.

Police said Klinger also apparently had attempted to brake and swerve before the collision.

They said Klinger turned the vehicle around in a parking lot after the crash and fled in the southbound lanes.

Another driver followed Klinger as he entered the jug handle to go north, police said. The driver exited his vehicle and removed the keys from the ignition of Klinger’s pickup, police said.

The incident was captured on the dashcam video of another witness, police said.

Neither Brown nor his passenger, Angela L. Probek, 35, of Orwigsburg, or Klinger were injured, according to police.

Klinger’s vehicle was towed from the scene.

Fire departments from Pottsville and Schuylkill Haven assisted with traffic control.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. July 2 before Magisterial District Judge Andrew J. Serina in Orwigsburg.