HARRISBURG — State Rep. Matthew Dowling, R-Uniontown, is being investigated by state police for allegedly driving under the influence after a two-car accident on Saturday in South Union Township in Fayette County.

Mr. Dowling, in a statement Tuesday, said he has struggled mentally and physically to accept his “new physical normal” since an October 2021 auto accident. He suffered significant injuries in that accident in Lancaster County, and he did not leave the hospital until January. He returned to his office in February.

He has since struggled with alcohol use that “came to a head” in the June 4 accident, he said.

According to the Uniontown State Police crash report, a 2011 Mini Cooper operated by Mr. Dowling rear-ended another car twice on Salem Road near Matthew Drive in South Union Township just before 1:45 p.m. The 37-year-old state representative appeared to be under the influence and was transported to Uniontown Hospital for a diabetic emergency. The passengers in the other vehicle were not injured, according to state police.

“I apologize to the people that I represent and my family for the pain or mistrust this incident has caused or may cause,” Mr. Dowling said.

Mr. Dowling has entered treatment for alcohol use. Charges are pending analysis of blood work results, police said.

Mr. Dowling was first elected in 2016 to represent parts of Fayette and Somerset counties. He won the Republican primary last month to represent the 51st House District for a fourth term.

Gillian McGoldrick: gmcgoldrick@post-gazette.com or on Twitter @gill_mcgoldrick

First Published: June 7, 2022, 11:28 p.m.
Updated: June 8, 2022, 2:16 p.m.