SUV crashes into Connellsville house; fleeing naked man arrested
John F. Brothers | 蘑菇视频
A vehicle caught fire after crashing into a Connellsville home early Friday morning. The fire spread to the Blackstone Road house causing moderate fire damage to the structure. The driver of the vehicle reportedly fled the scene after the crash but was apprehended by police.
A vehicle traveling south on Route 119 (Blackstone Road) lost control and struck a house. The vehicle started burning after the crash setting the the house on fire and causing moderate fire damage to the structure.
A man police believe fled from a vehicle that crashed into a Connellsville house Friday was arrested naked a short distance away, officials said.
Darren R. Warner, 30, of Irwin is facing aggravated assault and other charges after he was allegedly seen running along Route 119 without clothes on, Connellsville police said.
Police said a 2004 Hyundai sport utility vehicle was traveling south on 9th Street when the driver attempted to turn onto Blackstone Way.
The SUV drove through the yard and crashed into the basement of a house at 619 Blackstone Avenue at 8:18 a.m. Friday before catching fire and igniting the house.
Heavy smoke was billowing from front of the vehicle, setting off a two alarm fire.
Connellsville police Sgt. John James said police have not yet determined what caused the crash. He said they were not yet sure if the man was naked when he fled the vehicle.
Trooper Stefani Lucas said they believe the naked man was the driver. He was arrested near the Marathon gas station by state police.
Homeowner Laura Felgar said she was about to leave her house, gathering her purse and glasses when she heard a crash.
鈥淟iving on 119, when you hear that noise you know there蘑菇视频 an accident,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut I felt the vibration.鈥�
She said the man fled, leaving the car in her basement as smoke began to fill the house. Soon, her windows shattered as orange flames shot through them, she said.
鈥淚t蘑菇视频 a Friday the 13th moment that I just want to say, 鈥楻eally?'鈥� she said.
New Haven Hose assistant fire Chief Jeff Layton said that the fire was quickly spreading from the basement when firefighters arrived. They were able to contain the blaze, but the house was damaged by water, he said.
Responding to the scene were volunteer fire companies from New Haven Hose Co., Morrell, Connellsville Township and South Connellsville along with Connellsville Police, Fayette EMS and State Police.
No injuries were reported.
Warner is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, indecent exposure, institutional vandalism, disorderly conduct, open lewdness and resisting arrest.
He was awaiting arraignment Friday afternoon.