Fayette state representative could face DUI charges after car crash, seeks alcohol treatment

State Rep. Matthew Dowling, R-Fayette/Somerset, could face DUI charges after he was involved in a car crash Saturday, and is seeking “professional treatment to address any possible alcohol issues.”

State police responded to the incident at about 1:40 p.m. Dowling, 37, had rear-ended a car twice in the area of New Salem Road and Matthew Drive in South Union Township, according to a police report.

Following the crash, Dowling experienced a diabetic emergency and was taken to Uniontown Hospital.

Neither of the two men in the pickup that was struck was reported to have been injured.

DUI-related charges await analysis of blood work results and relevant medical records, according to a state police news release.

In a statement he released Tuesday, Dowling said “disappointing behavior” with alcohol “came to a head” in Saturday’s wreck.

Last October, Dowling suffered serious injuries in a car crash. Since then, Dowling wrote, he has been adjusting to a “new physical normal” brought on by injuries and medications.

He added he has dealt with “physical and mental trauma” over the past eight months.

“Unfortunately, this struggle has manifested itself in disappointing behavior that I have faced in the past with respect to alcohol, and that came to a head on June 4, 2022.”

Dolwing apologized “to the people I represent and my family for the pain or mistrust this incident has caused, or may cause.

“Please know that I take this matter very seriously and I have entered professional treatment to appropriately address any possible alcohol issues,” part of Dowling’s statement reads.

Dowling’s 51st Legislative District covers parts of Fayette and Somerset counties. He began serving in 2016.