Pine Township, PA – The driver who struck a motorcycle near Penfield in July, killing the passenger and severely injuring the operator, was found to be under the influence of drugs when it happened.
21-year-old Paul Lenze from DuBois was charged with felony homicide by vehicle while DUI, along with charges of homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, aggravated assault by vehicle, and accident involving death and injury while not license, and other related charges.
The crash happened on July 10 at the intersection of State Park Road and Anderson Creek Road, in Pine Township near Penfield, close to Parker Dam State Park. Lenze had been driving behind a motorcycle, driven by 53-year-old Michael Solida from DuBois and his passenger, 57-year-old Linda Solida.
When the motorcycle slowed down to make a turn onto Anderson Creek Road, Lenze didn’t slow down in time, struck the motorcycle, and continued to drive over top of it.
Linda Solida was pronounced dead at the scene.
Both Michael Solida and Lenze were taken to UPMC for treatment.
Medical records obtained by police showed that Lenze had drugs in his system at the time of the crash, including methamphetamine, diazepam and nordiazepam (which are sedatives), and marijuana.
There is no word yet on when his hearing or sentencing will be.
