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Driver hits parked truck, flees scene
Published: December 31, 2009
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Firefighters inspect the damage to a 2001 Mercury Cougar and a 1993 Ford F-150 after an accident early Wednesday morning on Webster Street.
SHAMOKIN - A routine, late-night police patrol turned into a foot chase to apprehend the suspect of a hit-and-run accident early Wednesday morning.
The accident and subsequent chase occurred shortly before 1:30 a.m. after a 2001 Mercury Cougar, operated by Lucas Banting, 21, of Elysburg, traveling east on Webster Street between Pearl and Vine streets, collided with a parked 1993 Ford F-150, owned by Brad Searls, of Shamokin.
The force of the impact lifted the pickup onto the car, causing significant damage to both vehicles. Fluids and pieces of the Cougar were seen several feet up the steep street.
According to a police report, Shamokin Chief John Brown approached the accident and observed a male running from the scene. The officer identified himself and ordered him to stop. A foot chase ensued in a wooded area behind a local business and across several lawns. The suspect was apprehended by Brown near Vine Street.
The male, identified as Banting, had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, police reported, and refused treatment at the scene. He was transported by officers to Shamokin Area Community Hospital for a blood test.
Police said Banting said he was out with friends at local bars and knew he should not have tried to drive home.
Banting was released from custody to his uncle, police said.
Transportation trouble
Searls was awakened after hearing a loud bang outside his residence.
"I heard a loud bang and then I heard cops yelling 'freeze!'" said Searls. "Then I heard them yell 'smoke,' and knew I should get down there."
When Searls arrived, he discovered his truck had been rear-ended and pushed several feet uphill from where it was parked. One of the truck's rear tires sat on the engine of the Cougar, while the other rear tire was dangling in the air. The truck's side was also pushed against a utility pole.
The damage to Searls' truck comes at a difficult time. His other vehicle is being repaired, leaving him and his wife with no transportation, he said.
"This is amazing," said Searls. "I don't know how my wife is getting to work now."
Searls was unsure how much damage his truck sustained, and was later seen talking on a cell phone arranging to have the truck towed.
"I expected this on New Year's, but not tonight," said one firefighter as he cleaned debris from the road.
Firefighters remained on scene until the vehicles were towed.
Assisting at the scene were officers from Coal Township and Ralpho Township police departments, Shamokin firefighters, AREA Services and fire police.
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