Drunken Driver Caused Chain Reaction Crash, Police Say

Easton police say an Allentown man was driving drunk when he mistook a red light Monday night for a green light and crashed into three cars.

Brad Hinkel, 32, is facing DUI and careless driving charges following the crash at Lincoln and St. John streets. His blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit, police said.

According to police, officers responded to the accident around 8:14 p.m. Monday and found Hinkel smelling of alcohol. He allegedly told police he had been headed south on St. John Street and didn't understand why the other drivers were stopped at a green light.

Police say all the other drivers said they were waiting at a red light. Hinkel allegedly rear-ended one car, causing a chain reaction that damaged two other vehicles. No injuries were reported.

Hinkel was arrested at the Northampton County DUI Center, police said. His blood-alcohol level was 0.17 percent, more than twice the legal limit of .08 percent.