A volunteer firefighter was injured last week after being struck by a driver during flooding last week.According to Pottsville Police Chief Richard Wojciechowsky, on Wednesday May 29, 2019 at approximately 5:30pm, Pottsville Police were dispatched to assist the Pottsville Fire Chief at the Mt. Carbon Arch in the borough of Mt. Carbon.
Investigation on scene revealed that fire department emergency vehicles had been blocking the roadway to vehicular traffic southbound on S. Centre Street due to safety concerns caused by flooding under the arch.
Thomas Hollywood 63, of Pottsville ignored the instructions of emergency personnel at the scene and drove a vehicle around the emergency vehicles.
Hollywood subsequently drove towards and struck a 54 year old male volunteer firefighter while he was acting in performance of his duty.
Hollywood immediately fled the area.
The volunteer firefighter sustained pain due to being struck and EMS responded to the scene to provide treatment.
Ptlm Joel Methven subsequently completed a criminal complaint charging Hollywood with Felony Aggravated Assault of a Firefighter Personnel, Aggravated Assault of a Firefighter Personnel, Simple Assault, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Harassment, Obedience to Traffic-Control Devices Warning of Hazardous Conditions, and Careless Driving.
An arrest warrant for Thomas Hollywood was requested and on Thursday, May 30, 2019, he was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Reiley, who set bail at $25,000 unsecured.