Driver charged in pedestrian incident

Nesquehoning police have charged a driver involved in an incident with a pedestrian.

Police said Ernest Joseph Kerestes, 56, of 235 E. Hazard St., Summit Hill, has been charged with accidents involving death or personal injury while not properly licensed (a misdemeanor 2); driving while under suspension — DUI related; right of way of pedestrians in crosswalks; and drivers required to be licensed.

According to officer Timothy Wuttke on Nov. 11, 2017, at 4:21 p.m. he was dispatched for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Catawissa Street and Mermon Avenue. On scene he found a woman lying in the middle of Mermon Avenue in the crosswalk being treated by EMS personnel. The woman was able to tell Wuttke that she was struck as she was walking in the crosswalk and said the vehicle that hit her was black.

Several witnesses interviewed at the scene said the car turned off Catawissa Street and struck the woman while she was in the crosswalk. The investigation revealed the vehicle was a Ford Fusion and the driver was identified as Kerestes.

Kerestes, who had parked his vehicle about a half block from the scene, was asked for his license. He said he did not have a valid license and it was suspended. He told Wuttke that he was at a traffic light on Catawissa Street and when it turned green, he made the left turn onto the Mermon Avenue and did not see the woman in the crosswalk and struck her. A records check confirmed Kerestes’ license was suspended.

The woman was transported to St. Luke’s Miners Campus, Coaldale, where she was treated and released.