SOMERSET — In a scenario perhaps similar to shocking videos of motorists passing an elderly hit-and-run victim in Hartford, Conn., last month, borough police said not a single witness has come forward for a crash that critically injured a pedestrian.
The incident occurred Thursday morning on busy East Main Street.
“For as heavily traveled as this road is, I’m assuming somebody saw something,” Officer Steven Borosky said.
A state trooper from the Somerset turnpike barracks, on his way to a hearing, pulled over afterward to render aid, while neighbors who heard the accident stopped traffic, authorities said.
Unlike the Connecticut accident, the driver of the pickup involved in Thursday’s crash stayed at the scene and was interviewed by police. He declined comment.
“The only person we have as a witness is the driver,” Borosky said.
“Anybody who witnessed it, any information would help. Our investigation is based on evidence and witnesses.”
Witnesses to the crash may contact the borough police: 443-1865.
Police said the driver of the pickup, James Naret, 52, of Central City, was entering East Main from Plank Road when the pedestrian apparently stepped in front of the truck.
The victim was identified as James J. Tinkey Jr., 45, of Rockwood.
The impact of the collision severely damaged the front end of the pickup.
The man’s body was found 35 feet away
from the end of the truck’s skid marks, officers said.
Tinkey was flown by medical helicopter to Memorial Medical Center. His condition was not available.
Pointing out an area near the sidewalk and an ornamental tree, the driver told police Tinkey stepped onto the road in front of the pickup.
Traffic on East Main Street – which becomes Route 31 outside the borough – was stopped for nearly an hour as police investigated.
Neighbor John Taylor, 60, said he was sitting in his living room when he heard the crash.
“It was just ‘whap,’ like a car hitting another car or in a race where the car hits the wall,” Taylor said. “Unbelieveable.”
The investigation is continuing.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Somerset police look over the scene of a car-pedestrian accident Thursday on East Main Street. Kirk Swauger
Discussion
Witnesses to car-pedestrian accident sought
- Local News
-
-
Proposed bill would expand use of traffic-light cameras
Some call it the hand of “big brother,” others are convinced cameras at signal lights would be effective in curbing red-light runners and ultimately saving lives.
-
Minister's trial date set
An issue has been resolved over the report from an examination of a girl allegedly taken by her mother to a Bedford motel to have sex with a traveling minister, clearing the way for a trial.
-
AP: Almost half of new veterans seek disability
America’s newest veterans are filing for disability benefits at a historic rate, claiming to be the most medically and mentally troubled generation of former troops the nation has ever seen.
-
Geistown beginning crime watch program
Residents will patrol Geistown streets in the coming weeks as part of a community watch program.
-
Persons of the Week: Nanty Glo vets will remember fallen comrades
Michael Kurtz, Tom Kasecky and Steve Kasecky will be among members of the Loy A. Douglass Post 3489 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Nanty Glo who will be honoring fallen veterans today, Memorial Day.
-
AG candidates face potential conflicts of interest
Both candidates for Pennsylvania attorney general have family ties that could pose a conflict of interest for the one who is elected as the state’s next chief legal officer.
-
Lawmakers: Capitol rallies unpersuasive
Nancy Richey stepped to the podium with a microphone at the Capitol rotunda with the hope that the right people would hear her message.
-
Richland closer to new chief
The search for Richland’s next police chief is winding down.
-
In brief: Thunderstorm downs trees, knocks out power
A late Sunday afternoon thunderstorm brought high winds, hard rain and hail to the Cambria-Somerset region.
- District Deaths May 28, 2012
- More Local News Headlines
-
Beryl Makes Landfall on Florida Coast
UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
