Erie driver charged after fleeing crash, Bud Light
Erie truck driver faces 22 charges after a July 23 collision that involved nine vehicles, according to a court‑filed affidavit.
Details of the crash and the driver’s actions
The affidavit identifies the driver as Irabaruta Ezechiel, operating a 2022 Freightliner semi‑truck that traveled east through the 300 block of West 12th Street in Erie, Pennsylvania. At the intersection of West 12th and Myrtle streets, five motorcycles and four station wagons were stopped at a steady red light.
Police say the semi first struck the station wagons and then the motorcycles. After the impact, the document states Ezechiel “stumbled from the cab” and fled the scene while carrying a case of Bud Light bottles. A witness report notes that an open Bud Light bottle was left in the center cup holder. Pursuing witnesses reportedly chased and subdued the driver behind a nearby U‑Haul before police arrived.
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When officers took Ezechiel into custody, they transported him to Saint Vincent Hospital. The investigating officer observed a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage” and noted that the driver’s eyes were bloodshot and watery. A charge nurse later confirmed that Ezechiel required emergency‑room care because he was unconscious. The officer subsequently obtained a nighttime warrant and collected two vials of blood for testing.
Blood samples were sent to the Pennsylvania State Police for BAC analysis, but results were still pending at the time the complaint was filed. The affidavit does not disclose a final blood‑alcohol level.
Injuries, hospital treatment, and legal proceedings
Eight of the ten crash victims were taken to UPMC Hamot Hospital for treatment; the filing mentions two suspected serious injuries and six suspected minor injuries. X‑rays and CT scans were still pending when the officer completed the report. No fatalities were reported, and the affidavit does not name any of the injured parties.
The public docket lists a total of 22 charges against Ezechiel. These include two counts of aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, two counts of aggravated assault by vehicle, and three DUI counts related to commercial‑vehicle alcohol use, high‑rate alcohol, and general impairment. Additionally, there are nine misdemeanor property‑damage counts, as well as charges for reckless endangerment, open‑container violation, reckless driving, and unsafe speed.
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A preliminary hearing is set for August 7 in Erie County Central Court. The driver is represented by Louis Callahan of the Erie County Public Defender’s Office, who declined to comment on the case.
The incident shows how quickly a single lapse can endanger many.
The case also emphasizes the importance of clear impairment policies and evidence‑preservation procedures for fleets. Proper documentation and swift reporting can aid investigators, insurers, and employers in understanding the root causes of such crashes.
