Published: June 26, 2008 11:02 pm      

Witnesses to car-pedestrian accident sought

SOMERSET — In a scenario perhaps similar to shocking videos of motorists passing an elderly hit-and-run victim in Hartford, Conn., last month, borough police said not a single witness has come forward for a crash that critically injured a pedestrian.

The incident occurred Thursday morning on busy East Main Street.

“For as heavily traveled as this road is, I’m assuming somebody saw something,” Officer Steven Borosky said.

A state trooper from the Somerset turnpike barracks, on his way to a hearing, pulled over afterward to render aid, while neighbors who heard the accident stopped traffic, authorities said.

Unlike the Connecticut accident, the driver of the pickup involved in Thursday’s crash stayed at the scene and was interviewed by police. He declined comment.

“The only person we have as a witness is the driver,” Borosky said.

“Anybody who witnessed it, any information would help. Our investigation is based on evidence and witnesses.”

Witnesses to the crash may contact the borough police: 443-1865.

Police said the driver of the pickup, James Naret, 52, of Central City, was entering East Main from Plank Road when the pedestrian apparently stepped in front of the truck.

The victim was identified as James J. Tinkey Jr., 45, of Rockwood.

The impact of the collision severely damaged the front end of the pickup.

The man’s body was found 35 feet away

from the end of the truck’s skid marks, officers said.

Tinkey was flown by medical helicopter to Memorial Medical Center. His condition was not available.

Pointing out an area near the sidewalk and an ornamental tree, the driver told police Tinkey stepped onto the road in front of the pickup.

Traffic on East Main Street – which becomes Route 31 outside the borough – was stopped for nearly an hour as police investigated.

Neighbor John Taylor, 60, said he was sitting in his living room when he heard the crash.

“It was just ‘whap,’ like a car hitting another car or in a race where the car hits the wall,” Taylor said. “Unbelieveable.”

The investigation is continuing.