Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
The Florida man accused of being drunk when he drove a golf cart into a young woman at the St. Michael’s Fair in late June did not show up to court on Tuesday. However, the district judge in the case still held the hearing.
Despite the man’s absence, a preliminary hearing was held and charges of felony aggravated assault while DUI, recklessly endangering another person, accident involving death or injury and others against Bruce Coppage, 30, of Gibsonton, Fla. were forward to common pleas court in Doylestown for trial. District Judge Robery Wagner Jr. preceded over the hearing.
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Coppage was a no-show in court and last appeared in early August, where the out-of-state resident said he would attend his preliminary hearing. Tuesday marks the second time Coppage missed a schedule preliminary hearing.
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At the time of his arrest, Tullytown authorities said they observed slurred speech, lethargic demeanor coming from Coppage. They also said in court papers that he admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages prior to the accident. Officers asked the defendant if he could perform the field test and he told them he has problems with his knees at times, records show.
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Police said the woman struck by the golf cart suffered a serious injury and was “screaming in pain” when they arrived. The woman spend an extended period of time in the hospital recovering from her injuries.
A co-worker and a friend of the victim said she is 24-years-old and underwent several surgeries after the accident, which almost lead to the amputation of her arm. The co-worker said the woman traveled with the carnival and was from the south.
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Coppage is employed by Reithoffer Shows, which is based in Florida.
The 30 -year-old is currently free on unsecured bail.
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