Police are continuing their investigation into an accident on Sunday at a restaurant parking lot in Logan Township.
A 17-year-old Altoona girl was seriously injured in the accident after a rural Tyrone driver allegedly hit her. Erin Holland had gone to the family car to place some packages in it when she was struck.
Logan Township Police said Elaine Dixon’s car first hit a pole in the parking lot at the Ponderosa restaurant then went forward and struck Holland. Holland was then pushed into a snow bank and was pinned between Dixon’s car and another vehicle.
Police Chief Ron Heller told The Daily Herald earlier this week that his department is still conducting its investigation. He said an accident reconstruction specialist was used to help in the investigation. He said they are still checking to see if there were any other witnesses. He said his department would eventually sit down and discuss the issue with the DA’s office. As of now, no charges have been filed against Dixon.
In general terms, Heller explained that an accident happening on a private lot would not alter the type of criminal charges that could be filed. He said there are some differences when it comes to vehicle code violations when an accident happens on a private lot. He said it depends on whether or not a private lot meets certain PennDOT standards.
Heller said his department is very busy this time of the year, but they are making the investigation into the accident a priority.
The family of the injured girl released a statement earlier this week about her condition.
The statement released through UPMC Presbyterian Hospital said Holland was treated for leg injuries. However, doctors were unable to reconstruct her right leg; it was amputated below the knee in surgery on Tuesday afternoon. The statement said she sustained no other injuries from the accident. Her condition was listed as stable.
Holland’s family asked those interested in making contributions to contact Scott Beveridge at the Friendship Fire Company in Roaring Springs at 814-224-4813.
