Published April 27. 2023 10:53AM
State police at Stroudsburg reported Wednesday the driver of a vehicle that fled a traffic stop last Thursday ending with a crash that claimed the life of a Reading woman, has been charged with numerous felony charges.
Noel H. Lugo, 36, of Reading, is charged with homicide by motor vehicle while driving under the influence, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle while under the influence, recklessly endangering another person (two counts), fleeing or attempting to elude police, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence and multiple vehicle code violations.
He was arraigned in district court in Coolbaugh Township and remanded to the Monroe County Correctional Facility, Snydersville, because bail was denied, police said.
Police said the chase happened on April 20 when troopers initiated a traffic stop for both moving and equipment violations and suspicion of driving under the influence. Police said Lugo initially refused to get out of the vehicle. Police said he was combative toward officers at the traffic stop.
Police said Lugo fled the scene, leading police on a chase that went for approximately 19 miles before his car crashed into a wooded area.
Police said through mechanical extrication by responding fire departments, Lugo and a passenger (not identified) were removed from the vehicle and transported to nearby hospitals to receive medical care for injuries sustained in the crash.
An additional passenger, after being extricated from the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. Monroe County Coroner Tom Yanac Jr. identified her as Lidia Burgos, of Reading.
Police said Lugo had an active arrest warrant.