BUTLER TWP — A suspected drunken driver — instead of seeking help — left his badly injured friend behind after crashing a car they were riding in, authorities said.

Township police today charged 31-year-old Matthew Hamersley with three felonies stemming from the March 8 wreck on Mercer Road.

Hamersley's front seat passenger, Keith Reges, 27, of Butler, suffered serious injuries, including bleeding on his brain and multiple facial and pelvic fractures, according to court documents.

Reges remains in critical condition at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, authorities said.

Police said Hamersley about 12:45 a.m. lost control of his car while traveling north on Mercer Road. The vehicle slid through the intersection with Kresh Lane.

The car's passenger side slammed into a utility pole.

Volunteer firefighters had to rescue Reges, who was trapped in the vehicle.

Hamersley and two back seat passengers — Adam M. Spinner, 25, and Nick Defelice, 23, both of Butler — fled before police or emergency crews got there, investigators said.

Police found Hamersley and Defelice a short time later walking on Mercer Road. Defelice, who was hurt, was treated for minor injuries at Butler Memorial Hospital and released.

Spinner got away but was caught later that day on an arrest warrant in connection with a shoplifting incident Oct. 24 in the township.

Hamersley is charged with aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, aggravated assault by vehicle and accidents resulting in injury, all felonies.

Additionally, he is charged with three counts of reckless endangerment, DUI, possession of a controlled substance, failing to give information or render aid after an accident, driving too fast for conditions and reckless driving.