Driver charged in crash with bicyclist
UPPER FREDERICK » A woman has been arrested after police say she was behind the wheel of a vehicle that struck a juvenile riding his bicycle Aug. 20.
Leeann Burnett, 46, of Perkiomenville, was arraigned before District Judge Margaret Hunsicker on charges related to the crash, State Police said in a report sent to Digital First Media.
At around 12:17 p.m. Aug. 20, a 2010 Kia Soul, driven by Burnett, was travelling north in the northbound lane of Route 29 (Gravel Pike) approaching Woodlawn Avenue, police said. At the same time, a 15-yearold from Schwenksville was riding a bicycle heading south on the northbound berm on Route 29.
The Kia Soul then left the road and entered the berm, hitting the 15-year-old and throwing him from the bicycle, police said.
The vehicle continued to travel north, dragging the bicycle along Route 29 to Memorial Drive, police said.
Lower Frederick Police conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle on the 1500 block of Gravel Pike. Police say the operator, identified as Burnett, exhibited signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance and was taken into custody. She was transported to Einstein Medical Center for blood draw.
The cyclist was flown to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for treatment of leg injuries, police said.
Burnett was charged with aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, accidents involving death or personal injury, driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, recklessly endangering another person and other related offenses.
Burnett is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 4 before District Judge Maurice Saylor. Bail was set at $5,000.