A Butler man is facing felony charges after a collision where he, operating a bicycle, allegedly struck a 77-year-old pedestrian and then fled the scene, according to local authorities. The incident transpired at North Main Street and Locust Street in Butler City.
The Butler City Police Department received the call shortly before 4:30 p.m. yesterday and promptly responded to find the injured man receiving emergency medical attention on the street. CBS News Pittsburgh reported that the victim was being treated by EMS personnel when officers arrived. Three pedestrians were attempting to cross the street when the bicyclist, heading northbound, collided with the elderly man, forcing him to the ground.
The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Lee Hodgins of Butler, purportedly did not stay to offer assistance or await law enforcement and instead chose to depart from the scene hastily. Local police used camera footage to track and arrest Hodgins, Butler Radio. He faces charges of accidents involving death or serious bodily injury, which is classified as a felony. Following the arrest, Hodgins was placed in the Butler County Prison.
The affected pedestrian, whose identity has yet to be disclosed, was initially transported to Butler Memorial Hospital and later flown to a Pittsburgh hospital for further treatment. As of the latest updates, the victim remains in serious but stable condition. As WTAE affirmed, the bike involved in the accident was a traditional bicycle, not an electric one.
