OIL CITY, Pa. (EYT) — DUI charges have been filed against State Representative candidate John Kluck of Oil City.

Sugarcreek Borough Police Department filed the following charges against Kluck, 49, on May 29:

• DUI: Highest Rate of Alcohol (BAC .16+) 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
• Accident Involving Damage Attended Vehicle/Property, Misdemeanor 3
• Reckless Driving, Summary
• Passing When Prohibited, Summary

According to a criminal complaint filed by Sugarcreek Borough Police Officer Highfield, Venango County 9-1-1 received a call on May 8 around 11:15 p.m. indicating that a vehicle struck a guide rail along Allegheny Boulevard. The vehicle — a Ford Escape — then narrowly missed hitting another vehicle, according to the caller.

While officers from Sugarcreek Police were en route to Allegheny Boulevard, the Venango County Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle along Halyday Run Road.

The criminal complaint states that Officer Highfield arrived on scene a short time later and spoke with Kluck. At this time, Officer Highfield noticed a strong odor of alcohol on Kluck’s breath and observed that he had a difficult time standing.

Kluck told Officer Highfield that he went to a local bar after a meeting and consumed four glasses of wine, according to the criminal complaint.

The criminal complaint states that Kluck also told Officer Highfield that he did not realize that his vehicle hit the guide rail.

After Kluck failed three field sobriety tests, he was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI and transported to UPMC Northwest for BAC (Blood-Alcohol Content) testing.

Kluck was transported to the Sugarcreek Police Department and then lodged in the Venango County Jail. He was released the next day.

Upon the return of test results, it was determined that Kluck’s BAC level was .211. The State of Pennsylvania prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with .08 percent or above blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Kluck, the chairman for the Venango County Democratic Party, is the Democratic nominee for a state representative seat in the 64th Legislative District.

The 64th Legislative District covers all of Venango County and parts of Butler County.

Kluck has been employed as an educator at Oil City Area School District for 25 years.

He faces a preliminary hearing on May 27 at 1:30 p.m. before Magisterial District Judge Patrick E. Lowrey.

Requests to Kluck for comment have not yet been returned.