Chadds Ford, PA — Two Pennsylvania men have been arrested and charged in connection with a motorcycle crash that left a woman severely injured and nearly caused another collision on U.S. Route 1 in Chester County.
According to State Police at Avondale, 37-year-old Brian Blattner and 51-year-old George Cwienk III were taken into custody Thursday and charged with felony aggravated assault and several related offenses.
Dangerous Incident on U.S. Route 1
The incident occurred on September 13 around 6:45 p.m. along U.S. 1 Northbound in Pennsbury Township, Chester County. Troopers and firefighters were called to the scene after reports of a serious crash involving multiple motorcyclists.
Police said a group of riders, wearing motorcycle club jackets, were passing stopped vehicles and blocking northbound traffic by deliberately slowing down and preventing other motorists from passing legally in open lanes.
“The riders were obstructing traffic flow and creating hazardous conditions for other motorists attempting to pass,” investigators said in the criminal complaint.
According to ABC27 News, one motorcyclist attempted to safely pass the slowed group when Cwienk III allegedly swerved multiple times toward the rider, forcing him to brake abruptly to avoid hitting both Cwienk and the jersey barrier.
Woman Thrown From Motorcycle
A second motorcyclist — a woman riding in the open left lane — was attempting to pass the group when Blattner allegedly turned abruptly from the right lane into the left, striking her motorcycle.
The collision caused the woman to hit the jersey barrier, throwing her from the motorcycle and leaving her unconscious at the scene. Emergency responders rushed her to a local hospital with serious injuries.
“The abrupt maneuver by Blattner directly caused the woman to lose control and collide with the barrier,” state police wrote in their report.
Charges and Investigation
Both men were arrested following an investigation by State Police at Avondale, who reviewed witness statements and roadway evidence.
- George Cwienk III, 51, was charged with:
- Aggravated assault
- Reckless endangerment
- Other related offenses
- Brian Blattner, 37, was charged with:
- Aggravated assault
- Aggravated assault by vehicle
- Reckless endangerment
- Additional traffic-related charges
“Their actions demonstrated a clear disregard for the safety of other motorists,” troopers said in a public statement.
Anyone with information related to the crash is urged to contact State Police at Avondale at (610) 268-2022.
Road Safety Reminder
Authorities are reminding all motorists that aggressive or retaliatory driving around motorcycle groups can have deadly consequences. Riders and drivers alike are urged to maintain safe distances, signal lane changes clearly, and avoid confrontational behavior on highways.
“Even one reckless decision can result in serious injury or death,” officials warned.
Blattner and Cwienk remain under investigation as prosecutors prepare to move forward with the case.
What are your thoughts on this case and the dangers of aggressive driving? Share your views in the comments below.
