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Bethlehem Man Arrested in DUI Crash Involving Police Vehicle

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. ested-in-dui-crash-involving-police-vehicle.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, January 29th 2026 at 12:03 GMT by WFMZ-TV
      Locales: Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The arrest of Justin Andrew Miller, 32, of Bethlehem, following an alleged drunk driving incident involving a collision with a police vehicle early Tuesday, is sparking renewed debate about road safety and the ongoing issue of impaired driving within the city. While Miller's case - he faces charges of driving under the influence, resisting arrest, and related traffic offenses - is currently playing out in the Northampton County judicial system, it highlights a concerning trend of DUI-related incidents that local authorities are actively trying to address.

According to the Bethlehem Police Department, the incident occurred at the intersection of Mechanic Street and Broadway. Officers responding to the crash report found a vehicle had collided with one of their cruisers. Initial reports indicate Miller exhibited signs of impairment, including the odor of alcohol, and actively resisted arrest. He is currently held at Northampton County Prison on $25,000 bail.

However, the Miller case isn't an isolated occurrence. Data from the Bethlehem Police Department reveals a slight, yet worrying, uptick in DUI arrests over the past six months. While overall traffic accidents have remained relatively stable, the percentage of accidents attributed to driving under the influence has increased by approximately 8% compared to the same period last year. This suggests a potentially growing problem with impaired driving in the region.

"We are seeing an increase in individuals making the dangerous decision to drive after consuming alcohol or being impaired by other substances," stated Sergeant David Reynolds, spokesperson for the Bethlehem Police Department. "It's not just about the immediate risk of an accident; it's about the potential for serious injury or even fatality. Hitting a police vehicle, as in the recent case, puts not only the officer at risk, but also any bystanders who may be nearby."

This rise in incidents is prompting local advocacy groups, like "Safe Streets Bethlehem," to call for enhanced road safety measures. The organization proposes a multi-pronged approach, including increased police patrols, particularly during peak hours for alcohol consumption (weekends and holidays), and expanded public awareness campaigns focused on the dangers of impaired driving. They are also advocating for increased funding for sobriety checkpoints and the utilization of advanced technologies like automated license plate readers to identify drivers with suspended or revoked licenses, which are sometimes linked to prior DUI offenses.

"Education is key," explains Maria Sanchez, founder of Safe Streets Bethlehem. "Many people still don't fully grasp the impact of even a small amount of alcohol on their ability to drive safely. We need to consistently reinforce the message that if you're going to drink, plan ahead: designate a sober driver, use a ride-sharing service, or take public transportation. It's a matter of life and death."

Furthermore, there's been discussion about strengthening penalties for repeat DUI offenders. Current Pennsylvania law allows for escalating fines and jail time, but some believe the current system isn't a strong enough deterrent. Proposed changes include mandatory ignition interlock devices for all DUI convictions, even first offenses, and increased participation in alcohol education programs.

The Northampton County District Attorney's office has also pledged to prioritize DUI cases and ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions. They've recently increased the number of prosecutors assigned to handle these types of cases and are working closely with the Bethlehem Police Department to gather evidence and build strong legal arguments.

As the legal proceedings against Justin Andrew Miller unfold, the focus remains on preventing future incidents and making Bethlehem's roads safer for everyone. The city's commitment to addressing this issue, coupled with the efforts of local advocacy groups and law enforcement, will be crucial in reversing the concerning trend of DUI-related accidents.