A Lititz man was recently convicted of his third DUI offense, a third-degree felony, in Lancaster County Court on July 12, 2022.

Anthony Pough, 60 of the 2100 block of Main Street, was found guilty by jury of driving under the influence of alcohol on March 16, 2021, at approximately 2:21 p.m. in the 1700 block of Lincoln Highway East.

The jury returned its verdict around noon after about 50 minutes of deliberations in the trial that began Monday.

East Lampeter Township Police were conducting an aggressive driver detail in the area and observed a green Buick sedan pass two vehicles in a clearly marked, turn-only center lane.

Police initiated a traffic stop and Pough stated he passed the vehicles because they were “going slow.”

Officers noticed slurred speech, watery and bloodshot eyes, and smelled alcohol on Pough’s breath. A mostly consumed bottle of brandy was visible on the passenger floor.

Police attempted to perform sobriety tests and Pough was argumentative and uncooperative. As police attempted to put Pough in custody, he pulled his hand away and pushed the officer in the chest. The defendant was eventually taken into custody without further incident.

While being transported to the Pennsylvania State Police barracks for a breath test, Pough stated, “I just came from the bar, I have alcohol in my system, yes they’re going to find it, but I’m not intoxicated.” Upon arrival, Pough refused to submit to the breath test.

Assistant District Attorney Caitlin Blazier prosecuted the case and presented testimony, photos, and a video exhibit showing the MVR of the vehicle stop.

During closings, defense counsel said the prosecution was painting the defendant to be a terrible person. Blazier responded that she was “just giving them the facts.”

Lancaster County Judge Merrill Spahn presided over trial and found Pough guilty of passing where prohibited, a summary offense.

East Lampeter Township Police Officer Ryan Wiegand filed charges and attended the entirety of trial.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sean McBryan, semcbryan@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @SeanMcBryanLanc.