Johnstown police say a Philadelphia-area man is facing charges following a crash on Bedford Street Wednesday night that resulted in a child being ejected from the vehicle.
Authorities say Marvin Jenkins Jr., 31, faces charges of aggravated assault with a vehicle while driving under the influence, child endangerment, and DUI, as well as numerous traffic violations, according to online court documents.
Police say at approximately 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Bedford Street, in Dale Borough, for a report of a vehicle crash with ejection.
Investigators say when officers arrived on scene, they observed a red minivan parked in the middle of the street with extensive damage, including a broken windshield, broken windows and the passenger side front tire ripped off.
According to the affidavit, Jenkins told police that a bystander approached him, following the crash, and told him that a young child had been ejected from the vehicle.
Police say the child, identified as a 7-year-old boy, was transported to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center for treatment of numerous injuries, including multiple cuts/abrasions to his head and torso.
Authorities say the child spent the night at the hospital, and Johnstown police chief Richard Pritchard confirmed to 6 News that the child only suffered minor injuries. It is unknown if the child has been released from the hospital yet.
Police also noted in the complaint that when they were speaking with Jenkins at the scene, officers observed that he had glassy eyes, slurred speech and smelled of alcohol.
Authorities say upon further investigation, police spoke with a witness to the crash who told officers that Jenkins had reportedly crashed into the fencing near the Geisel Funeral Home before driving up a metal guardrail and going airborne.
Police say officers observed damage to a speed limit sign and said fencing.
Investigators noted that during the course of the on-scene investigation, Jenkins became aggressive with officers, after asking to retrieve a phone from his vehicle, and was taken into custody.
Police say Jenkins also failed multiple field sobriety tests and was transported to Conemaugh Hospital for a blood draw.
Jenkins has since been arraigned to the Cambria County Prison, on $85,000 bail, court dockets show.
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 20.
