Pickup driver who was fleeing troopers on turnpike in Donegal injured in crash
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A Philadelphia man was airlifted to a hospital with multiple injuries Saturday after crashing his pickup in Donegal as he was being pursued by state troopers along the Pennsylvania Turnpike, according to police reports.
Sergio E. Rodriguez-Guzman, 21, was airlifted by medical helicopter to Conemaugh Hospital in Johnstown as a result of the crash that occurred at 8:07 a.m. along the westbound deceleration ramp at the turnpike interchange in Donegal.
Trooper Joseph Watkins said troopers were pursuing Rodriguez-Guzman westbound for reckless driving in his 2000 Toyota Tundra pickup truck when he attempted to exit the turnpike at a high rate of speed.
Watkins reported that Rodriguez-Guzman lost control, crossed the center median “and launched through the air over the acceleration ramp of the turnpike entrance ramp lane and guardrail.”
Watkins said the pickup struck several trees as it dropped over the embankment.
“The undercarriage of the truck impacted the ground and deer fence with such force it caused the pickup truck’s cab to dislodge from the frame,” Watkins said in an accident report released Tuesday.
Police reported the cab came to rest 70 feet away from the initial point of impact.
Watkins said Rodriguez-Guzman will be charged with reckless driving.