HARRISBURG, PA – Attorney General Michelle Henry has announced charges against an off-duty Pennsylvania State Trooper who allegedly caused a fiery crash in Tioga County that claimed the life of a woman earlier this year back on Saturday evening, February 11, 2023.
In our previous coverage of this tragic accident, the crash involved a GMC Acadia being driven by 47-year-old Christine Woodward of Troy, PA., and a Jeep Grand Cherokee operated by 35-year-old Michael J. Brown, also of Troy, PA.
According to State Police, at the time of the accident, Woodward was traveling east along Route 6 in her GMC vehicle and Brown was traveling west along Route 6 in his Jeep vehicle. As the vehicles approached the intersection of Aumick Road/Ritz, a head-on collision occurred. Following the hard impact of both vehicles, a fire broke out near Woodward’s GMC, which caused the vehicle to burn. FNN was told that both vehicles caught on fire, but police never confirmed that information in their release.
As for the investigation, it was noted that the defendant, Michael J. Brown, attempted to pass a vehicle — illegally across double yellow lines — on Route 6 and the intersection of the Aumick Road/Ritz Road around 10:48 PM. In doing so, his vehicle struck an oncoming vehicle, killing the driver, Christine E. Woodward, who was a third grade teacher from the Troy area School District.
Brown has been charged with a felony count of homicide by vehicle and the following related summary traffic violations. The following charges are;
* Title 75 Section 3732 A – Homicide by Vehicle (Felony in 3rd Degree)
* Title 75 Section 3309 1 – Disregard Traffic Lane (Single) – (Summary).
* Title 75 Section 3307 A – Passing Where Prohibited (Summary).
* Title 75 Section 3306 A1 – Limitations on Driving on Left Side of Road.
* Title 75 Section 3305 – Pass Left Unsafe (Summary).
* Title 75 Section 3310 A – Follow Too Closely.
Brown turned himself in on Monday. His bail was set at $50,000 unsecured and has been posted according to court records.
Michael Brown’s Preliminary Hearing has been rescheduled to September 20, 2023, at noon in front of MDJ John E. Hesay.
“This case involves the devastating loss of a mother and teacher, made even more tragic because it was entirely preventable,” Attorney General Henry said. “We must all remember to practice patience and abide by the laws of the Vehicle Code because, otherwise, we are capable of causing irreparable harm. ”
The investigation revealed that on the night of February 11, 2023, the defendant was traveling west in a Jeep Grand Cherokee on Route 6 in Sullivan Township. He was headed to work at his barracks in Tioga County. In an attempt to pass a westbound vehicle in front of him, the defendant’s vehicle crossed double yellow lines and struck an oncoming vehicle that was ascending a hill on the roadway.
The case will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney Anthony Forray. All charges are accusations. The defendant is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This is a news report from our media partners at First News Now