Man who told police he had taken pain killers charged in fatal Memorial Day accident

State police alleged in a criminal complaint filed Tuesday that a 31-year-old Latrobe resident told police he had taken several narcotics and anxiety pills before he struck a couple on a motorcycle on May 28, killing the driver.

Preston C. Haines, 31, was charged with homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence of a controlled substance, aggravated assault while driving under the influence, reckless endangerment, driving on the wrong side of the road, careless driving and reckless driving, according to online court records.

Police say Haines was under the influence of fentanyl, Suboxone and an anxiety drug when he drove his car across the centerline on Route 982 in Derry Township and struck a motorcycle driven Bruce M. Miklavic Sr., 59, of Richland Township.

Mr. Miklavic died at the scene from multiple blunt force trauma injuries. His wife, Kathryn Miklavic was thrown from the motorcycle and sustained serious injuries. She was transported by a medical helicopter to a Pittsburgh trauma center. She eventually recovered.

Trooper Trey Parsley wrote in the complaint that he saw Haines “staggering” in the road and was told by several witnesses that his 2002 Volkswagen had crossed the centerline and struck the motorcycle.

Haines told Trooper Parsley during an interview on the day of the accident, “I took Suboxone today as well as many other pain pills and anxiety medications.” Haines’s blood tested positive for opiates and benzodiazepines, according to the complaint.

According to online court records a preliminary hearing has not been scheduled.

Steve Pope can be contacted at steve.pope@grantstreetnews.com