Truck strikes Brownsville building
BROWNSVILLE – Yellow caution tape is stretched across the front of the former G.C. Murphy Building on Market Street in downtown Brownsville after a truck struck the building late Thursday night. According to Brownsville police, a truck operated by James Charles Lewis, 36, of Bank Street, Brownsville, crashed through the front window of the vacant store owned by Ernest Liggett.
Police said Lewis had slurred speech and was not alert, but he refused a chemical test of his blood.
Brownsville police said they had notified Lewis several weeks ago that he was not to drive the truck, since it was not registered and his license was suspended.
Lewis was arrested following the 11:44 p.m. accident and arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Herb Mitchell. Lewis was charged with driving under suspension DUI related, driving under the influence, lack of registration and certificate of title, careless driving and lack of financial responsibility (insurance.)
Lewis was placed in the Fayette County Prison in lieu of $30,000 bond, 10-percent acceptable.
Lewis refused medical treatment at the scene.
Police said his vehicle stopped halfway into the building, causing extensive damage to the building.
Joe’s Auto Body towed the vehicle from the scene.