Man charged with deadly ATV hit-and-run crash in Luzerne County

NEWPORT TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Investigators have charged a man for his alleged involvement in a deadly hit-and-run crash involving an ATV .

Police say they have charged Richard J. Simon Jr., 39, of Nanticoke, with involuntary manslaughter after a crash killed an ATV rider, James Thiemann, 26, of Warrior Run.

According to court documents, on July 30, 2023, around 7:30 p.m., officers responded to a crash involving a car and an ATV on Moutain Road in Newport Township.

Investigators stated a Hyundai Santa Fe tried to pass a group of ATVs when it collided with one being driven by Thiemann. Thiemann was thrown from the ATV and hit the pavement causing serious injury.

The driver, Simon, stayed at the scene for a few minutes and then fled, police said.

Thiemann died at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Township.

As of Thursday, July 25, Simon has not been arrested for the charges filed against him.

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