Driver wanted in pedestrian's death
Apr. 9—A Hickory Township man is wanted by New Castle police for reportedly backing an SUV over a 70-year-old woman and killing her.
The victim, identified as Christine Seergae of Gretchen Avenue, reportedly died from her injuries after being flown to St. Elizabeth's Youngstown Hospital. Police reported the accident occurred around 4:15 p.m. March 30 in the parking lot of the Pizza Joe's restaurant on Croton Avenue.
The driver of the orange Chevrolet SUV, Roland Haselton, 57, of Walters Lane, reportedly did not have a valid driver's license and is facing charges filed Monday.
The investigating officer reported when he called the hospital the next day to check on Seergae's condition, he was told she had not survived her injuries. The Mahoning County coroner's office reported Seergae died of blunt force trauma and her injuries were consistent with those of being struck by a vehicle, police reported.
According to a criminal complaint, a woman who was with Haselton at the scene had falsely told police she was the one who was driving.
The officer reported he arrived at the accident scene to see Seergae lying on her back with tire marks on her legs and abdomen. The woman who said she had been driving the Jeep told police she was backing out and did not notice Seergae behind her.
Police learned the woman with Haselton was actually in the passenger seat and after the accident occurred she got into the driver's seat and and moved the vehicle, the report said.
She told police twice she had been the driver. The officer checked the surveillance video and saw Haselton was actually driving. He admitted he was driving and did not have a license.
Haselton is charged with accidents involving death while not licensed, aggravated assault by vehicle, reckless driving, backing up vehicle improperly and driving without a license. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty or adjudicated in court.
