Collision with police car brings charges

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Justin Lykins, 21, of North Scott Street faces charges of recklessly endangering another person, driving under the influence and numerous other traffic violations after crashing his car head-on into a police car.
Police said Lykins was speeding in the eastbound lane of the Mahoning Avenue Viaduct when his car crossed the center line and crashed into Officer David Cumo's police car at 5:41 a.m. Sunday. Cumo, who was in the westbound lane, stopped his car and activated the emergency lights to get Lykins' attention before impact, police said. Lykins later told police he thought he fell asleep while driving.
Police responding to the accident said Lykins had a strong odor of alcohol about him and empty beer cans and bottles were found in his car. Both men were taken by ambulance to St. Francis Hospital, and Lykins was later transferred to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh where he was treated and released.
Police said he was not wearing a seat belt and suffered head injuries when he hit the windshield. Cumo, who was wearing a seat belt, was treated at St. Francis.
The traffic violations he faces are speeding, driving in the left hand lane, failing to drive in a single lane, driving without vehicle registration or certification, careless driving, reckless driving, driving without headlights and failing to drive on the right side of the road.