Hit-and-run car accidents can be linked to other offenses

When individuals get behind the wheel of a car, they immediately become responsible for the safety of themselves and others around them. In the event that someone is deemed unfit or incapable of driving safely in New York or anywhere else, his or her driver’s license may be suspended or even revoked in some cases. Sadly, one fatal accident and major personal injury case may have been prevented if the defendant had abided by the terms of his license suspension.

The 69-year-old victim in the case was reportedly taking his dog for a walk near his home when he and the animal were struck by a vehicle. Authorities confirmed that the victim was crossing the street when the incident occurred. They also suspect that the vehicle was going approximately 60 miles per hour at the time. It is not stated whether the victim succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the accident or whether he received medical treatment prior to his death, but he is survived by a wife and three children.

Upon turning himself in to authorities two days after the crash, the man now identified as the defendant in the fatal collision claimed that he feared being linked to the incident because he was driving illegally. According to law enforcement, a warrant for the defendant’s arrest was issued because of alleged probation violations, and he was on his 11th driver’s license suspension.

Now, the defendant is being held on several felony charges relating to injuries and death as a result of car accidents. He also faces misdemeanor accusations for leaving the scene of an accident. He has waived his right to a preliminary hearing, but the defendant will have a pretrial arraignment in the coming weeks.

Source: delcotimes.com, “Driver charged in death of Upper Darby man walking his dog waives preliminary hearing,” John Kopp, Jan. 23, 2014