Police: Salvation Army worker runs cart into vehicle, claims driver is at fault

Danville, Pa. — Surveillance video provided by a restaurant contradicted a man’s story about a car hitting him and attempting to drive away.

Matthew William Ebert, 59, called Danville police at the beginning of May to report the incident, Sgt. Justin Stanley said. According to Stanley, both Ebert and the driver were standing beside a silver Volkswagen on Canal Street when he arrived at the area near the Moose Lodge on Mill Street.

Ebert had no visible injuries and didn't complain of any pain, despite claiming to have been hit by a car, according to charges.

Stanley said he spoke with the driver first, who claimed Ebert ran the cart into the side of the vehicle as he turned from Mill Street into the Canal Street alleyway, police added. Damage to the Volkswagen matched the story, according to the affidavit.

Ebert, who works for the Salvation Army near the scene, claimed the man drove his vehicle into him before attempting to drive away, Stanley said.

Police spoke with a store manager at Amigo’s Pizzeria and Restaurant, who pulled up surveillance video on his phone, according to Stanley. The video allegedly showed Ebert pushing a cart that appears to be holding several brooms up the left side of the alley. The handles were sticking out of the cart, towards the center of the roadway, Stanley said.

As the driver turned onto Canal Street, Ebert can allegedly be seen angling his cart toward the passenger side of the car, striking it with the broom handles. When the driver stopped his vehicle, Ebert pushed the cart into the car with enough force to send the items inside the cart rolling down Canal Street, charges say.

Ebert allegedly left the scene during the investigation. Police questioned coworkers at the Salvation Army, who said Ebert went home, according to investigators. Stanley confirmed with another officer Ebert had called to report a hit-and-run. Stanely said the video did not match up with Ebert’s story.

Ebert, Danville, is being charged with criminal mischief and false reports. No bail is set for Ebert, who is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing next week in Montour County.

Docket sheet