News

November 5

Police seeking hit-and-run driver

By Jerry Lynott jlynott@timesleader.com
Business Writer
Jerry Lynott on Facebook   |   @TLJerryLynott on Twitter

WILKES-BARRE – Police Friday night were seeking a driver who struck and critically injured a man crossing South Pennsylvania Avenue at about 5 p.m.

Police urged the driver to surrender.

The 44-year-old victim, a Wilkes-Barre resident who was not identified by police, was taken to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township. Wilkes-Barre Police Lt. Paul Middleton described the man’s injuries as life-threatening.

The man had the right of way as he was crossing the avenue where it intersects with South Main Street. He was struck by a pickup truck, Middleton said. The driver fled on the avenue and possibly headed in the direction of Hanover Township or across the Carey Avenue Bridge toward Plymouth, he added.

“I’m appealing to this person directly,” said Middleton of the driver. “It’s in your best interest to come forward.”

It’s unknown whether the driver is a man or woman, but police obtained a description of the pickup from witnesses.

The truck is an older model, domestic made, possibly a Ford, gray with patches of gray primer paint. It is a full-size pickup with an extended cab and has damage to the hood and windshield.

Middleton also asked for assistance from witnesses who have seen the vehicle and advised automobile repair shops and garages to contact police at 570 826-8106 if someone brings in a vehicle matching the description.

Police closed down a section of South Pennsylvania Avenue from Dana Street to the South Main Street intersection. The intersection also was closed and an accident reconstructionist was on the scene around 6 p.m. taking photographs.

Within the area of the intersection marked off with police tape was a can of Lysol spray upright on the pavement on South Pennsylvania Avenue. A crumpled coat lay on the pavement at the intersection.

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