A Lehighton man has been charged after leading police on a pursuit that began in Carbon County and ended in Monroe County after the suspect crashed his vehicle into a tree.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by Trooper Ryan English of the Pennsylvania State Police, Lehighton barracks in the case against Lawrence Mustacchio:

At 1:52 p.m. Sept. 21, Trooper Charles Inserra and English saw a red Ford Ranger failing to operate within a single lane of travel, crossing the double yellow and white lines multiple times while traveling south on Interchange Road in Towamensing Township.

At that time, English activated the emergency lights and siren in an attempt to initiate a traffic stop on Interchange Road at its intersection with Sei Pike Lane, but the driver, Mustacchio, 61, failed to stop.

During the pursuit, Mustacchio led troopers through multiple fields, yards, and parking lots throughout both counties.

At 2:15 p.m., Mustacchio was taken into custody after crashing into a tree in the rear of a home in the 400 block of Green Hill Road, Polk Township.

Police said Mustacchio was disheveled and under the influence of controlled substances, leading troopers to administer partial field sobriety tests to the extent that he was capable due to injuries resulting from the crash.

Mustacchio admitted to consuming prescription oxycodone, but would not answer when questioned specifically regarding methamphetamine use.

Mustacchio was found to be in possession of one gold storage tin containing about 0.70 grams of suspected methamphetamine; one gold storage tin containing about 1.50 grams of suspected marijuana; one clear/yellow/blue glass smoking device; and one red/gold metal smoking device.

At 3:11 a.m. Mustacchio was transported via West End Community Ambulance to St. Luke’s Bartonsville to be treated for injuries sustained as a result of the crash.

Mustacchio refused chemical testing and was subsequently treated and discharged.

Mustacchio faces charges of fleeing or attempting to elude officer; agricultural vandalism; possession of controlled substance; driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance; recklessly endangering another person; criminal mischief; registration and certificate of title required; driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked; obedience to traffic control devices; driving on right side of roadway; driving on roadways laned for traffic; stop signs and yield signs; turning movements and required signals; maximum speed limits; careless driving; reckless driving; and operation of vehicle without official certificate of inspection.

He is currently incarcerated in the Carbon County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 straight bail, and scheduled to have a preliminary hearing Oct. 14 before District Judge William Kissner of Palmerton.