Man charged for leaving I-90 wreck

EPHRATA - Nicholas M. Wiszniewski, 31, of Great Britain, faces DUI and hit and run charges after he allegedly left the scene of an accident along Interstate 90 last week.

Grant County prosecutors also charged Wiszniewski with assault, harassment and malicious mischief for reportedly threatening a police officer and damaging a State Patrol car during the incident.

On Feb. 23, State Patrol officers responded to a two-car collision, involving a white Mazda Miata and a white Ford pickup, on I-90 near milepost 190.

According to court documents, the driver of the Ford pickup told police he believed the driver of the Mazda Miata was drinking alcohol. The occupants of the Ford pickup were not injured in the collision, according to records.

While a WSP officer was en route to the accident, he was notified the driver of the Mazda Miata was fleeing the scene. The officer eventually found the Miata near milepost 204.

According to court documents, the car was in the median facing north. An officer also reportedly noticed the vehicle hood was damaged and buckled and smoke was coming from the vehicle.

As the officer pulled to the inside shoulder, he noticed the driver begin to exit the vehicle. The driver, later identified as Wiszniewski, reportedly sat back down in the vehicle and leaned over as if he was reaching for something on the floorboards, according to records.

Wiszniewski allegedly ignored the officer's repeated commands to show his hands. According to a WSP report, the officer drew his service weapon because he was unsure if Wiszniewski was trying to retrieve a weapon.

Wiszniewski reportedly cursed at the officer before exiting the vehicle with his left hand hidden and a cigarette in one hand. According to court documents, he dropped the cigarette and what was later identified as car keys and began walking toward the officer.

The officer reportedly told Wiszniewski to stop and get on his knees multiple times before he complied, according to records. Wiszniewski later allegedly head butted the officer as he got in the patrol car.

Wiszniewski also reportedly cursed and spit at the officer while en route to Grant County Jail. According to court records, Wiszniewski also allegedly threatened the officer and told him he would find him when he got out of jail and cut his throat.

While the officer stopped for gas Wiszniewski reportedly kicked out the right rear window of the patrol car, according to records. Wiszniewski was then transferred to another patrol car and transported to Grant County Jail.