Rimersburg Man Charged with Aggravated Assault by Vehicle Following Route 66 Crash

Joanne Bauer

Joanne Bauer

Published February 7, 2016 5:21 pm
Image

PORTER TWP., Pa. (EYT) – A Rimersburg man is facing aggravated assault by vehicle and related charges stemming from a crash that occurred on State Route 66, in Porter Township, Clarion County.

According to court documents, criminal charges were filed against 25-year-old James Walter Reesman, Jr., of Rimersburg.

According to a criminal complaint, on January 11, Trooper Matthew Norris, of Clarion-based State Police, was dispatched to a one-vehicle crash on State 66, approximately 2/10 mile north of Champion Road. Upon his arrival, he observed a black, 2004 Kia Sorento with major damage to the passenger side of the vehicle.

The complaint indicates that the driver and the passenger of the vehicle were in separate ambulances, waiting to be flown to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa. Trooper Norris briefly interviewed James Reesman in the ambulance. Reesman related that he could not remember anything from the crash. He did relate that he was operating the vehicle. Trooper Norris then interviewed the known, female passenger, and she said that she did not recall the crash. She also indicated that Reesman was operating the vehicle.

The complaint states that evidence at the scene indicated the vehicle was traveling north on Route 66. The vehicle left the northbound lane, crossed the center line, and traveled across the southbound lane. It then impacted a guide rail, street sign, utility pole, and two trees off the west side of the roadway. The female passenger was ejected as a result of the crash.

A certified driver’s history was obtained for Reesman’s driving history, and it indicated that his operating privilege is suspended as habitual offender for reason of DUI, the complaint continues.

Around 4:10 p.m. on January 12, Trooper Norris interviewed the female passenger a second time by phone. She said that she recalled more details about the crash and that she and Reesman were engaged in a verbal argument as Reesman was operating her vehicle. She “related that Reesman attempted to punch her as he was driving. She only remembered hitting the guide rail after that. She suffered a broken pelvis, three broken vertebrates in her spine, and two broken ribs as a result of the crash, according to the complaint.

On January 12, around 8:45 p.m., Trooper Norris interviewed Reesman by phone. He said that he still could not recall the crash. He also related again that he was driving, the complaint states.

Based on the information discovered during the investigation, Trooper Norris requested an arrest warrant be issued for Reesman.

He was arraigned at 2:00 p.m. on February 3 in Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller’s office, according to court documents.

He faces the following charges:

  • – Aggravated Assault by Vehicle, Felony 3
  • – Accident Involving Death/Injury-Not Properly Licensed, Felony 3
  • – Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2
  • – Driving License Suspended/Revoked, Summary
  • – Harassment — Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary
  • – Fail To Keep Right, Summary
  • – Disregard Traffic Lane (Single), Summary
  • – Driving at Safe Speed, Summary
  • – Careless Driving — Serious Bodily Injury, Summary
  • – Reckless Driving, Summary
  • – Operating Vehicle W/O Valid Inspection, Summary

Unable to post $5,000.00 bail, Reesman was lodged in the Clarion County Jail.

A preliminary hearing is set of 1:30 p.m. on March 1 with Judge Miller presiding.

No information was available on the extent of injuries suffered by Reesman as a result of the crash.

Drug Charges Filed Against Reesman

According to court documents, Reesman also faces charges from an unrelated incident that occurred on January 8, 2016, in Monroe Township, Clarion County.

He was arraigned at 11:45 a.m. on February 4 in front of Magisterial District Judge Timothy P. Schill.

He faces the following charges in this case:

  • – Knowingly Possessing Ephedrine, Misdemeanor
  • – Use/Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor
  • – Habitual Offenders, Misdemeanor 2
  • – Operating Vehicle W/O Valid Inspection, Summary

Bail was set at $2,500.00 Monetary.

No other information was available on this case.

Recent Articles

Community Partner