Connellsville man charged in crash that injured woman
A Connellsville man is accused of being behind the wheel in a collision in North Union Township that left a pedestrian with a concussion.
Paul Puckett, 57, was arrested after an investigation into a reported hit-and-run on Earl Street in North Union Township on the night of March 2.
Cody Gettemy, 37, told police she had been walking home when she was hit from behind by a white van and lost consciousness.
Gettemy was treated on scene and flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, W.Va. She was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, torn ligaments and muscles, bruising and multiple abrasions, the complaint said.
Debris on scene and surveillance footage led police to a white Dodge ProMaster van belonging to South Pointe Energy Resources Group, according to court documents.
Puckett’s boss told police Puckett had reported being side-swiped.
Under questioning from police, Puckett said he was leaving a friend’s house between 7 and 8 p.m. when he hit what he thought was a deer, court paperwork said. He told his boss he had been side-swiped because he was worried about being fired for taking the vehicle out after hours, according to the affidavit of probable cause.
Puckett is charged with accident involving personal injury, aggravated assault by vehicle, and numerous traffic citations including failing to render aid or provide immediate information to police.
He was lodged in the Fayette County jail after being unable to post $25,000 bond.
Puckett’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 17.