Driver charged in deadly summertime motorcycle crash in Lehigh County
UPPER MACUNGIE TOWNSHIP - A Lehigh County man is facing charges after prosecutors say he was under the influence of alcohol and methamphetamine when he slammed into a turning tractor-trailer in a crash that killed his passenger.
Curtis L. Kuhar, 54, was arrested Thursday morning by Catasauqua Borough Police and charged with numerous crimes, including homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, involuntary manslaughter and driving without a license.
According to prosecutors, on the night of Aug. 24 Kuhar and a woman passenger were driving a motorcycle on Trexlertown Road near State Route 22 when he crashed into a tractor-trailer that was turning into a private driveway.
MORE LOCAL HEADLINES
- Man fatally hit by car while crossing street to get to Uber, police say
- 'We suspect foul play': Bucks County co-workers missing since mid-October
- Temple University moves to virtual classes to start spring semester
- Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon carjacked at FDR Park in South Philly, spokesperson says
The passenger, 49-year-old Kerri Sodl, was pronounced dead from blunt force trauma.
A witness told police that the tractor-trailer had its turn signal on and Kuhar had enough time to stop the motorcycle, according to the Upper Macungie Township District Attorney's Office.
Investigators later confirmed that Kuhar could have stopped his motorcycle just before hitting the tractor-trailer. It was also revealed that Kuhar’s blood-alcohol content was 0.04% and bloodwork showed the presence of methamphetamine.
Prosecutors say Kuhar was driving without a license and did not have insurance.
Kuhar was arraigned on Thursday morning and denied bail by Magisterial District Judge Karen Devine who argued he is "a danger to the community."
___
DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP | FOX 29 WEATHER AUTHORITY APP
SUBSCRIBE: Good Day Digest Newsletter | FOX 29 Philly on YouTube