Woman accused of crashing into congressional candidate Tom Marino's vehicle charged with DUI

By The Review)

Published: June 8, 2010

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TOWANDA - The woman accused of being involved in the crash that sent congressional candidate Tom Marino to the hospital was recently charged before Magisterial District Judge Tim Clark with driving while under the influence.

According to information filed at Clark's office, Michele Jordan Merschbach, 23, of Towanda, has also been charged by state police with driving on the wrong side of the road and careless driving.

Police reported being called to the scene of a two-vehicle crash around 9:27 p.m. on June 1 on state Route 2027. When they arrived at the scene, police reported they discovered that a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix and a Chevrolet pickup truck had collided head-on. The Grand Prix, according to reports, was operated by Merschbach while the pickup was driven by Marino. Police said they determined that the Grand Prix had been traveling north on Route 2027, when it crossed the center line of traffic into the path of the pickup truck, which had been heading south on 2027 at the time.

While interviewing her, police continued, Merschbach said she had been drinking alcoholic beverages earlier in the evening. During the interview, police said, they noted that Merschbach's eyes were bloodshot and glassy, and there was a faint odor of alcohol on her breath and person.

Merschbach was taken into custody and transported to Memorial Hospital where she agreed to submit to a blood test. The test eventually revealed that Merschbach's blood alcohol content was .169 percent on the night of the accident.

Marino complained of dizziness at the accident scene and was transported to Memorial Hospital for observation. He was later released.

Merschbach is scheduled to appear before Judge Clark on July 14 for her preliminary hearing.

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