According to Pottsville Police, officers were dispatched around 5:43 p.m. Wednesday, August 19, 2026, to the intersection of Claude A. Lord Boulevard (Route 61) and East Arch Street for a reported motor vehicle accident with injuries.
When officers arrived, they found two heavily damaged vehicles in the middle of the roadway.
Police said their investigation, which included eyewitness accounts and video footage from a nearby business, determined that Victor Martinez, 34, of Pottsville, was driving a black 2019 Toyota RAV4 northbound in the passing lane of Route 61 approaching East Arch Street.
According to police, Martinez made an abrupt right turn in an attempt to turn onto East Arch Street. As he made the turn, his Toyota was struck by a black 2025 Jeep that was also traveling north on Route 61. The Jeep was being driven by a 51-year-old Ashland woman.
A 32-year-old Pottsville woman who was riding in the front passenger seat of Martinez's vehicle became trapped and had to be extricated by members of the Pottsville Fire Department.
The woman reported injuries and was treated at the scene by Schuylkill EMS before being transported to a local hospital for further treatment. Police did not provide additional information on the extent of her injuries.
Both vehicles sustained heavy damage and were towed from the scene.
Police said Martinez was cited for Turning Movements and Required Signals.