May 8—A Lancaster man was arrested after he fled a weekend sobriety checkpoint run by officers from several departments on Fifth Street Highway in Muhlenberg Township, police said Monday.

Nicholas D. Segarra, 25, didn't get far, investigators said. After speeding off from the processing area in the 4600 block, where two dozen officers from several Berks police departments were working about 11 p.m. Friday as part of the detail, he crashed into a pole on the southeast corner of Fifth Street Highway and Elnore Avenue, disabling the car, police said.

Segarra briefly left the vehicle and went into a backyard, but returned just as officers arrive and surrendered to them, according to Muhlenberg police.

He was committed to Berks County Prison in lieu of $5,000 to await a hearing following arraignment before District Judge Tonya A. Butler in Reading Central Court.

Segarra faces charges of fleeing or attempting to elude police, DUI, reckless endangerment and possessing a controlled substance.

Investigators provided this further account:

Segarra was initially directed into the processing area of the checkpoint because his car displayed a New York license plate in the front and Pennsylvania license plate in the back.

A police officer collected Segarra's identification information as soon as he entered the processing area. He was told to remain in the car.

Segarra shifted his car into drive and accelerated out of the proceeding area, jeopardizing the safety of two officers as he sped closely by them.

After surrendering, Segarra indicated that he returned to the vehicle after initially bailing from it because he realized police had his identification at the checkpoint. Officers could smell alcohol on his breath.

He admitted to having a few mixed drinks before driving. Officers noticed a large empty beer bottle on the floor of the passenger side of the car.

Segarra told police that after the crash he walked up North Temple Boulevard and disposed of a sandwich bag of cocaine in a front yard.

Police went there and found an empty sandwich bag that contained cocaine residue. They took it into evidence.

Segarra admitted to being under the influence of cocaine. Officials said he is on probation for a burglary in Lancaster County.

The checkpoint was coordinated by the North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program. Officials announced last week that there would be a checkpoint at an undisclosed location as well as roving patrol throughout the weekend.