Arrest warrant for driver who fled Schuylkill scene
An arrest warrant has been issued for a Northumberland County driver who fled the scene of a one-vehicle crash in Schuylkill County.
State police at Frackville identified the suspect as Joseph R. McClain-Broden, 34, of Mount Carmel.
Troopers said the crash occurred Sunday at 4 a.m. along Woodside Road in Cass Township. Troopers said McClain-Broden was driving a 2008 Ford Focus eastbound at a high rate of speed when he entered a left curve. The momentum of his speed carried the Ford off the road and it slammed head-on into a tree, about 50 feet down an embankment.
Troopers said McClain-Broden managed to free himself from the vehicle and fled the scene. McClain-Broden made his way to a friend's house in Branchdale, where he called another friend for a ride. He never contacted police about the crash. Troopers said the Ford was not visible from the road due to heavy foliage.
About 12:50 p.m. a motorist spotted the Ford in the wooded area and call police. Troopers arrived on scene and discovered the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Mount Carmel earlier in the day. Based on statements made by the friend in Branchdale, troopers have charged McClain-Broden with hit and run, driving without a license, driving a vehicle at an unsafe speed, and immediate notice to police. Mount Carmel police will charge him with theft of the vehicle.
Troopers said McClain-Broden is being sought with a warrant issued for his arrest. Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call troopers at 570-874-5300.
