Family gets new stroller after hit-and-run

Responding officer wanted to help the family

SOUTH COATESVILLE » A family often seen walking along Lower Gap Road suffered minor injuries when they were hit last week by a driver who destroyed their baby carriage and fled.

The driver hit the family last Wednesday night without even stopping, and has since been questioned by police. The investigation is ongoing. This is the third hit-and-run incident within a 30-day period in South Coates-

ville Borough. Police made an arrest in one of the incidents.

“This one was more troubling because they hit two children and left the scene,” South Coatesville Police Chief Kevin Pierce said during a ceremony Tuesday held at the municipal building.

He acknowledged Officer Justin Fonock, who he said showed compassion for the family, and did a “great job” with the active investigation. Fonock reached out to Walmart to ask if they would donate a double stroller to replace the one that was severely damaged beyond repair. Pierce presented the stroller on behalf of Walmart and he presented Fonock with a letter of commendation for his efforts in making this happen.

“You are to be commended for the care and compassion you demonstrated to this family at a difficult time,” Pierce read from the letter. “As the police chief of South Coatesville Police Department, I wish to express my most sincere appreciation to you for your commitment and dedication to provide an exemplary service to our residents.”

Pierce thanked Marquis James, the Good Samaritan who stopped to help the family and even helped remove one of the children from being wedged in a nearby fence. James received a $25 gift card to Wawa from the police and a gift card from the family, in appreciation. He was glad to hear Walmart donated a new double stroller to the family.

Autum Bireley, who was hit that night when walking her children, Jaylen Williams, 2, and Julian Williams, 3, felt thankful that James stopped to help them. After they were hit she said she tried flagging down two cars that drove past. One of them, James, turned around and helped. Unfortunately as he loaded the children into his car to keep them safe until the ambulance arrived, a passing vehicle hit him. Fortunately, he did not suffer any injuries. Pierce thanked him for stopping to help and noted that oftentimes other drivers continue on their way. Pierce presented James with a certificate of appreciation and a gift card from the police and a gift card from the family.

“My worst fear was actually not having my children. That was going through my head, when I ran to them,” Bireley said after the ceremony. “I don’t know what I would do. They are my life. They are my everything.”

Pierce additionally thanked the East Fallowfield Police Department for assisting with the incident and the investigation that followed. East Fallowfield Officer John Rappold, who was present during the ceremony, located the striking vehicle.

Pierce reached to Coatesville Iron and Scrap Yard because he noticed that sometimes this family used their stroller to carry metal to trade in to the scrap yard for extra money. Before he could even ask, the scrap yard officials asked to help the family. Pierce presented them with a donation on behalf of the scrap yard.