Man worried about civil suit in hit-and-run resulting in woman losing leg

WILKES-BARRE — A New York City man who admitted to driving a vehicle that struck Angela Velasquez, resulting in the woman losing her right leg, raised concerns about money before and repeatedly during his sentencing hearing before Luzerne County Judge David W. Lupas on Tuesday.

Unique Levon Jones, 30, of Bronx, N.Y., said he wants to reimburse Velazquez for her medical expenses but fears he will be forced to pay more money due to a civil suit she has filed against him, the City of Wilkes-Barre and several police officers.

Velazquez, of Kingston, was crossing East Northampton Street at South Main Street when she was struck by a Chevrolet that Jones was operating on Feb. 10, 2021.

Velazquez suffered serious injuries and had her right leg amputated around the knee. She had seven surgeries on her right leg, four surgeries on her left leg and anticipates additional surgeries in the future.

Jones, who appeared via video from the county correctional facility, apologized to Velazquez for causing her injuries but repeatedly expressed worries about paying more money in restitution than what he believes.

Lupas sentenced Jones to three-to-six years in state prison on charges of aggravated assault by vehicle, fleeing or attempting to elude police, criminal trespass and simple assault. Jones pled guilty to the charges Dec. 13.

Assistant District Attorney Drew McLaughlin said Jones owes nearly $124,000 in restitution.

Before Jones was sentenced, he spoke privately with his attorney, Katelyn Spellman, by telephone.

When Lupas called Jones to be sentenced, Jones went into a tirade about paying more money due to Velazquez’s civil lawsuit filed in federal court Jan. 24.

“I’m not rich. I understand but I’m not in a position to pay civilly and criminally,” Jones said.

Lupas advised Jones he was there to be sentenced on the criminal case and the civil case is separate. Spellman further told Jones the civil lawsuit has nothing to do with his criminal case.

Once Jones calmed down, he apologized to Velazquez despite not seeing her on camera.

“I know my words will never make her feel better. I did not intend to harm you. I fled the situation I was in. I was on parole. To this day, I cannot sleep. I’m sorry; every day you wake up, just know I am apologetic. Please forgive me,” Jones said.

Velazquez responded that she understands Jones has no money and was not insured, noting the civil suit she filed is also against Wilkes-Barre and police officers.

“I haven’t walked since I was hit. I’m still in a wheelchair. I can’t do anything. I sit on my porch and I see other people walking. I’ve been really depressed, I can’t sleep. (Jones) says it’s going to be okay but it’s never going to be okay. The cops were chasing him and he hit me,” Velazquez said.

She said her husband, James Jackson, has been forced to assist her with daily needs, including going to the bathroom.

“My first concern is to my wife,” Jackson said.

Jones was fleeing police that had stopped the Chevrolet in the 100 block of South Empire Street. Jones was a passenger in the vehicle and jumped into the driver’s seat and sped away, court records say.

An officer spotted the Chevrolet on East Northampton Street, about a block from South Main Street.

Police Chief Joseph Coffay previously said the pursuit was terminated prior to Velazquez being struck.

After Jones was sentenced, Velazquez said she remembered the first police cruiser did not have its lights and siren activated.

“I wish the cop car did have its lights and siren going, I would have seen and heard them and would have waited on the sidewalk,” Velazquez said.

Velazquez’s civil suit alleges negligence by Wilkes-Barre, several police officers and Jones. The suit seeks in excess of $50,000 on each of the five counts.