Cops: Driver surrenders in Brookhaven hit-and-run
BROOKHAVEN » A Clifton Heights man has been charged with attempted homicide and related offenses in connection with the hit-and-run of a landscaper that occurred in the 4900 block of Jackson Drive last week.
Joseph Driscoll, 40, of the 5200 block of Fairhaven Road, turned himself in Wednesday night, police said. Additionally charged with aggravated assault by vehicle, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and reckless driving, he is being held at the county prison in lieu of $150,000 cash bail, according to online court records.
Borough Detective Timothy S. Habich, who led the investigation, said Thursday that the striking vehicle was also recovered.
According to police, the 23-yearold landscaper was attempting to stop the vehicle, a gray Dodge Avenger, after its driver had taken a backpack leaf blower from the landscaping crew’s truck on the afternoon of Aug. 3.
When the landscaper jumped in front of the fleeing vehicle and waved it to stop, the driver accelerated causing the landscaper to land on the hood. The landscaper clung onto the hood for 100 feet before the driver slammed on the brakes, sending the landscaper flying into the roadway and hitting his head on the ground.
The landscaper was treated at Crozer-Chester Medical Center for a concussion, as well as a head laceration that required six staples to close, and was released.
“It was a true team effort that led us to Driscoll,” a post on the Brookhaven Police–PA page on Facebook reads, offering thanks to individuals who provided tips as well as the Upper Chichester, Upper Darby and Media police departments for assistance.
Driscoll’s preliminary hearing is listed for Sept. 1 before Magisterial District Judge Thomas J. Lacey.
It was not immediately known if Driscoll had retained an attorney.
Additionally charged with aggravated assault by vehicle, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and reckless driving, he is being held at the county prison in lieu of $150,000 cash bail, according to online court records.