District Court: DUIs and Drug Paraphernalia

The following people were charged and scheduled for preliminary hearings May 1 at  office in Leetsdale:

Waived

• Timothy Kozminski, 29, of Franklin Park, charged with driving under the influence and operating a vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock. Franklin Park police reported an officer stopped Kozminski’s vehicle March 20 on Nicholson Road after he was seen traveling too slow. He was taken to UPMC Passavant for a blood test, but the results were not reported. 

• Patrick Byrnes, 35, of fleeing or attempting to elude police, driving under the influence and driving while suspended.  reported officers received a report April 14 of an intoxicated driver in the 100 block of Route 65.  Police found the vehicle in the passing lane near the Maruca Bridge driving very slowly. Police said Byrnes struck the middle concrete barrier five times before he pulled over onto Cross Street. He was taken to Heritage Valley hospital for a blood draw and refused the test, police said. He was later taken to Allegheny County Jail.

• Thomas Fitzgerald, 36, of Pittsburgh, charged with possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence of alcohol. stopped Fitzgerald’s car March 13 after he was seen swerving and slowing down on Route 65. During a search, police found a glass marijuana pipe in the center console of the vehicle. Fitzgerald was taken to Heritage Valley Sewickley for a blood test, but the results were not reported. 

• James Seitz, 26, of Freedom, charged with driving under the influence. Franklin Park police reported Seitz was stopped March 18 on Interstate 79 after he put his car into reverse on the off ramp and switched lanes to go on Route 910. He also made an illegal U-turn. Police said he tested positive for alcohol on a portable breathalyzer and was taken to UPMC Passavant hospital for a blood test. The results were not reported.  

Held for court

• Michael Lancos, 26, of Freedom, charged with driving under the influence. State police reported that Lancos on Jan. 18 was stopped in Glenfield about a half mile north of Interstate 79 after he was reportedly parked on the road and required assistance moving to the berm. Police said a blood test showed Lancos had marijuana, prescription anxiety and tranquilizing medication in his system. 

Reduced

• Peter Henrickson, 26, of Pittsburgh, and Randall Barksdale, 26, of Wexford, both charged with possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia. Barksdale was also charged with tampering with evidence. Franklin Park police said Henrickson and Barksdale were seen Feb. 5 sitting on the side of Hopkins Church Road in a vehicle with two others. Police said Barksdale, the driver, threw a syringe out of the window. Police also found Henrickson slow to respond so Bell Acres first responders took him to Heritage Valley for an evaluation. He admitted to taking four anxiety pills, more than he was prescribed. During a search police found a glass pipe belonging to Henrickson. Charges are reduced to disorderly conduct and he received credited for time served.

• Christopher Hamren, 53, and Lori Chaplan, 48, both of , with simple assault and harassment. said Hamren chased Chaplan around Feb. 14 with a staff, swinging at her. Police said Chaplan’s arm had scratches. Chaplin struck Hamren, who had a visible shoulder bruise.  Both were arrested. Police said Hamren requested to go to Heritage Valley Sewickley Hospital, where he was examined and cleared for incarceration. Charges were reduced to harassment and the two were ordered to pay a $25 fine plus court costs. 

Postponed

• Richard Vates, 34, of Farrell, driving while suspended, making false reports to police. Edgeworth police reported Vates was stopped April 24 at the BP Station on Route 65 after an off-duty officer saw his car swerving on the boulevard. Police said Vates gave his brother’s name before admitting his identity because he was under suspension.