Mar 3, 2005 By Patty Yauger 2 min read

A state lawmaker has introduced legislation that would increase penalties for those convicted of tossing objects at moving vehicles. State Sen. Richard A. Kasunic, D-Dunbar, said Wednesday that if supported, the courts could impose both a jail sentence and fines to those found guilty of throwing rocks onto or at vehicles along state and local roadways.

“(These are) stupid and reckless criminal acts that can easily result in tragedy,” said Kasunic, who serves as chairman of the Democratic Policy Committee.

The legislation calls for the offense to move from a simple assault charge to a first-degree misdemeanor charge and allow for judicial action to impose up to a five-year jail sentence and maximum fines of $10,000.

“By upping the maximum penalties, I would hope people would think twice about engaging in such a dangerous and senseless act,” said Kasunic.

Kasunic first introduced the bill several years ago after learning of incidents where someone was targeting vehicles traveling along Interstate 70 near Belle Vernon with concrete blocks. Incidents have also taken place along Fayette County roadways.

In August 2003, a Thompson 2 teenager suffered a broken jaw and facial lacerations after a large rock tossed from an unknown location struck the vehicle in which she was a passenger as it traveled along New Salem Road.

Last year, police investigated a string of incidents, including chunks of cement and cement blocks being dropped from overpasses along Route 119.

A Connellsville man was seriously injured when a 25-pound chunk of cement was tossed from the Bute Road overpass onto his Route 119 northbound vehicle in North Union Township.

Police have also logged incidents that involved objects being tossed from vehicles at pedestrians and at other moving vehicles.

Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Jeffrey Miller agreed that such incidents should have serious consequences for the offender.

“People who throw objects from moving vehicles create potentially deadly situations,” he said.

Kasunic described the criminal acts as “unconscionable.”

“My bill would make the penalty fit the crime,” he said.