Indiana County, PA (WJAC) — State police in Indiana County say a local man is behind bars for reportedly causing a fatal crash along Route 119 late Thursday night.
Troopers say first responders were dispatched to the two-vehicle crash scene, located in Center Township, around 11:30 p.m. Thursday.
According to the affidavit, the driver of one of the vehicles, later identified as 28-year-old Elias Jimenez, of Indiana, had reportedly fled the scene prior to the troopers' arrival.
Police say a passenger of the other vehicle was being treated on scene for cardiac arrest and was later transported to Indiana Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead just after midnight.
Indiana County Coroner Jerry Overman identified the victim as 30-year-old Alex Booher of Jeanette, PA.
Investigators say, according to the other driver, Jimenez was reportedly traveling north in the southbound lane, which caused the other driver to swerve to avoid a head-on collision.
Troopers say while they were investigating the crash scene, they allegedly located a Sheetz bag inside Jimenez's vehicle.
Authorities say troopers then went to the Sheetz location and reviewed surveillance video that reportedly showed Jimenez purchasing food and alcohol prior to the crash.
Troopers say they were eventually able to locate Jimenez at a nearby Quality Inn hotel, where he was reportedly found "hiding under the bed."
Investigators say Jimenez was "visibly intoxicated" and was transported to a nearby hospital for a blood draw.
Troopers noted that Jimenez does not have a valid driver's license for "any U.S. state."
According to online court records, Jimenez is being housed at the Indiana County Jail and his bail was denied.
He faces charges of homicide by vehicle, accidents involving death or injury and numerous other traffic violations.
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