Teen driver charged
COAL TOWNSHIP - A Shamokin teen was charged with various vehicle offenses following an investigation into a June 21 crash on Tioga Street near Route 901, near an area known as "The Rock Cut."
According to Coal Township Police, Wesley Tadd McKinney, 18, of 1010 E. Race St., Shamokin, was driving a 2008 Nissan Altima east on Route 901 at a high rate of speed. When he attempted to turn onto Tioga Street, the rear end of the vehicle slid, causing him to lose control of the vehicle.
McKinney then accelerated, cauing the vehicle to cross over the low part of a guard rail and to into an area north of Tioga Street covered with brush and trees. The driver and his four passengers were not injured in the crash, but police had to tow the vehicle because it was not insured. The investigation showed McKinney did not have a driver's license.
Police charged McKinney with driving without a license, driving a vehicle at an unsafe speed, careless driving and driving an uninsured vehicle. In addition, police cited the Altima's owner, Patricia Persing, 38, of 1010 E. Race St., Shamokin, for allowing McKinney to operate the vehicle with the knowledge that there was no insurance.
Assisting police at the scene of the crash were members of the Coal Township Fire Department, Coal Township Rescue Squad, Coal Township Fire Police and AREA Services personnel.
Drug paraphernalia
RANSHAW - Joseph Staskiel, 22, of 824 Spruce St., Kulpmont, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after being found with syringes, pills and a spoon after he passed out on the sidewalk at 11:50 a.m. Wednesday in the 400 block of Main Street. Staskiel was transported to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital for treatment.