EBENSBURG —
Declaring that actions have consequences, Judge Patrick Kiniry on Friday ordered a Johnstown man to serve 24 months of probation for permitting a 14-year-old boy to operate an ATV that crashed and killed a teenage passenger.
Scott Wyrwas was convicted in October in a nonjury trial before Kiniry on the misdemeanor offense of reckless endangerment and three summary offenses: Permitting an underage person to operate an ATV, not having the required insurance for the ATV and permitting an unlicensed driver to operate the vehicle.
Wyrwas, 32, formerly of McMillen Street in Johnstown and now of Second Street in East Conemaugh, became emotional during the sentencing Friday but did not speak about the incident. His attorney, David Raho, described him as a good person with no criminal record.
Wyrwas was charged by the East Taylor Township police in the Aug. 28, 2010, accident in which 14-year-old Kiersten Wagner of Richland Township was killed. She was not wearing a helmet.
The driver, now 16, was injured in the accident, authorities said. He was wearing a helmet.
The accident took place just off of Rosedale Street, a dead-end street used by ATV riders to access riding trials in the wooded area there.
Wyrwas and his family, along with about 20 other people, were attending a surprise birthday party of him.
At his trial, Wyrwas said that he knew the teenage driver was younger than 16 and did not have a safety certificate to ride on an ATV.
He also said that he was aware that the quad’s seat – although large enough for two – bore a symbol warning, “No passenger.”
Kiniry said that state sentencing guidelines called for punishment ranging from probation to one month in prison for the defendant.
He said that he took into consideration Wyrwas’ background, including his employment as a long-haul truck driver, in deciding to order the maximum probationary term.
He ordered the defendant to make sure that his two children – one, 14, and the other, 7, – complete the state-required safety course for juveniles to operate an ATV. Wyrwas also was ordered to pay fines totaling $1,300 plus fees and court costs.
Assistant District Attorney Eric Hochfeld said that the victim’s mother – who had testified at the trial – had decided not to attend the sentencing.
Local News
Owner of ATV gets probation in fatal crash
- Local News
-
-
Route 219 work gets green light
The federal Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday issued the permit needed to allow work to begin on the 11-mile stretch of four-lane limited access highway from Somerset to Meyersdale.
-
Rewards offered in death of eagle
The Pennsylvania Game Commission and The Humane Society of the United States are offering rewards totaling more than $5,000 for information about the killing of a mature bald eagle in northern Cambria County.
-
Mayoral candidates will run unopposed in fall election
The results are in – although unofficial until a few weeks from now – and at least two positions will changes hands in Somerset County come fall.
-
State makes a new bid to privatize prison jobs
The Department of Corrections is considering whether to privatize mental health care in the state prison system, a move that would eliminate the jobs of 187 prison employees across Pennsylvania.
-
Panel is addressing needs of homeless
A new community-based organization is expected to soon be in place to assist the area’s homeless population.
Currently, people can find temporary lodging at The Salvation Army, located on Vine Street in downtown Johnstown. -
Authorities are investigating two church burglaries
Jackson Township police are investigating two church burglaries that occurred sometime Sunday evening.
-
District lacks cash but says it won’t hike taxes
Despite a revenue shortfall that likely will top $400,000, property owners in the Northern Cambria School District will not see their taxes go up this year.
-
Valley directors approve $200G for IT upgrade
In the midst of constructing a $13 million elementary school, Conemaugh Valley school board has not forgotten its older students.
-
Cambria GOP will introduce new director
A recent Pitt-Johnstown graduate with experience working on election campaigns and fundraising will be introduced today as the executive director of the Cambria County Republican Committee.
-
Spruce-up set for vets park
Some beautification touches are expected to be made to the Cambria County War Memorial Arena’s Veterans Memorial Park between now and the middle of June.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Route 219 work gets green light
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
Okla. Teens Get Video of Deadly Tornado Overhead
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
9-year-old Tornado Victim Loved Family, Singing
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Okla. City Mayor: Up to 13K Homes Hit by Tornado
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Paperless Scanner, Vision of the Future
Florida FBI Shooting Has Boston Bombing Links
Garcetti Elected Los Angeles Mayor Over Greuel
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
