COAL TOWNSHIP - A Shamokin Area Elementary School teacher accused of being drunk when he drove into a group of teenagers last month near Mount Carmel has resigned.
The district school board on Thursday accepted the resignation of Victor Swaboski III effective May 4.
Swaboski, 38, of 320 S. Beech St., Mount Carmel, described as a well-liked teacher, faces multiple felony offenses including aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence.
The charges stem from an accident March 28 in which Swaboski was driving on Beaverdale Highway (Route 2038) near Mount Carmel Area Elementary School when his car plowed into five teenagers who were walking and biking along the berm.
Multiple witnesses say they watched as Swaboski fled the scene and drove into Mount Carmel Borough to avoid apprehension. A bike was lodged under his vehicle, causing a shower of sparks as he drove, witnesses said.
He was taken into custody by police officers minutes after the accident as he attempted to hide in the woods near his home. Police allege he was in possession of two beer cans when he was caught, one of which was said to be opened.
The five Mount Carmel area teenagers suffered various injuries, with three of them hospitalized.
Swaboski could enter a plea in the case as early as May 21 at Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury.
He had been suspended without pay for at least the remainder of the school year the day after the crash. The possibility of his employment being terminated was not ruled out at that time, as district officials weighed their options under the public school code.
After a week in prison, Swaboski was released after posting $50,000 cash bail following his preliminary hearing on April 4. His bail had been reduced that day from $100,000, which was set the night of the crash.