Kittanning Hit-and-Run Actor Causes Additional Multiple Vehicle Accident

by Jonathan Weaver

What was one damaged vehicle along Johnston Avenue in Kittanning Borough turned into four by late-Friday evening.

According to police, at about 10:15PM Friday, Ronald Cox of Fort Run Road in Ford City was driving along the roadway in a white Chevrolet Blazer 4×4 when he hit into a dark vehicle. That owner saw the accident and chased after Cox in the damaged vehicle for another two blocks before Cox hit two parked cars in the 1000 block (near the intersection with Montieth Street)

Safety glass was spread out on the road, sidewalk and even into the grass among snow flurries that fell Friday evening

Kittanning Borough Police Officers Jamie Baum and Joe Riskosky, as well as Kittanning Hose Company #4 firefighters and Kittanning #6 medical responders responded to the scene. Other fire units were originally dispatched for rescue services if Cox was trapped within the vehicle, but he was able to get out of the vehicle relatively-unharmed.

While Cox was taken to ACMH in East Franklin Township, his vehicle sat with heavy front end damage in the middle of the street and two other residents were in disbelief.

Resident Virginia Lamison had her 2004 sand-colored Chevrolet Cavalier for about five years before it was damaged Friday.

“I was sleeping and oh my gosh! I flew up, ran to the door and about fainted,” Crissman said.

Son, Jake, was worried the Cavalier might end up on the porch because of the impact. He pulled Cox from his vehicle because he was worried if the car caught on fire.

“I was so looking forward to driving across the bridge and up to the mall (Saturday)!,” Lamison laughed. “I hated going the other way.”

Her vehicle mirrors have also been damaged “four or five times” while living along Johnston Avenue
Hose Company #4 volunteer firefighters cleaned the roadway and helped Crissman retrieve haircutting supplies from her trunk since it was smashed in.

Mike Shankle of Adrian was visiting his mother next door when he heard the crash into his red 2003 Dodge Intrepid SE. He had the car about a year.

“I saw him try to get away,” significant other Tracie Dowd said. “I called up the stairs and said ‘He’s trying to leave’ so everyone ran downstairs and his car died.”

Cox was taken to ACMH for a blood test since alcohol was suspected to be involved.

The Chevrolet Blazer might also have an expired registration.

Duncan’s Towing of Rayburn Township towed all of the vehicles from the scene.