ROCKY GROVE, Pa. (EYT) — Sugarcreek Police have filed Aggravated Assault by Vehicle, DUI, and other related charges against the driver in a police pursuit that ended in a fiery crash with four people being taken to the hospital.

(Photos courtesy of the Sugarcreek Borough Police Department)

The following charges were filed Friday against Leslie Roy Lepley Jr., 42, of Franklin:

• DUI: Gen Imp/Inc of Driving Safely — 3rd Offense, Misdemeanor 1
• Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Officer, Felony 3
• Aggravated Assault By Vehicle While DUI, Felony 2 (3 counts)
• Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2 (3 counts)
• Duties At Stop Sign, Summary (13 counts)

The charges stem from a routine traffic stop late Thursday night on Lamberton Street in Rocky Grove.

At 11:50 p.m., Sugarcreek Borough Senior Patrolman Joe Highfield attempted a traffic stop on a 1997 Toyota Camry sedan with four occupants.

According to police, the vehicle — operated by Lepley — fled and a pursuit ensued to Route 417 northbound through Dempseytown on Route 428. At the intersection of Route 428 and Davison Road, the vehicle being pursued traveled off the roadway at a sharp right curve and struck several trees before catching fire.

The fire was extinguished by police units, and medical treatment was rendered at the scene with Lepley being taken to UPMC Northwest to have blood drawn under the suspicion of being intoxicated. Lepley was admitted to UPMC Northwest after complaining of pain while en route to the hospital.

Additionally, one female occupant was taken to Titusville Hospital and one male occupant was transported to the Meadville Medical Center.

A third male occupant was taken to Titusville airport and then life-flighted to an area trauma center.

According to police, none of the occupants of the vehicle were wearing seatbelts.

Their current conditions are unknown.

Franklin Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, Chapmanville Volunteer Fire Department, Townville Ambulance, and two ambulances from Emergycare out of Titusville assisted at the scene.

A search warrant was issued and the vehicle was seized for further processing.

Lepley was released from the hospital and arraigned on Friday at 11:00 a.m. before Magisterial District Judge Patrick E. Lowrey. He was placed in the Venango County Jail after failing to post $25,000 cash bail.

A preliminary hearing is set for December 13 at 1:30 p.m. in Venango County Central Court.