Key Points
- A driver crashed a car into a tree near a house in Coal Center, Washington County, on Sunday night.
- Eyewitness Jessica Smith and her family heard loud noises while she was making dinner.
- The driver was initially unconscious but fled the scene with an open can of beer, smelling of alcohol and bleeding from his head.
- He stated, “I don’t want to be around for this,” before grabbing his beer and running away.
- First responders from California Borough sought assistance from Fallowfield firefighters, who deployed a thermal imaging drone.
- Firefighter Chris Ceccarelli reported spotting the man 100 to 200 yards away within 10 minutes of drone deployment.
- EMS crews located and transported him to hospital five minutes later, preventing potential hypothermia.
- California Police Chief Jim Smith suspects alcohol involvement; charges are pending as investigation continues.
- Jessica Smith expressed relief that the tree stopped the car, thanking “God for the tree,” and criticised the driver’s disregard for safety.
Washington County (Manchester Mirror) January 26, 2026 – Police in Washington County are investigating a dramatic incident where a man crashed his car into a tree mere metres from a family home before fleeing the scene with an open beer can, prompting suspicions of alcohol impairment.
What Happened During the Crash?
As Jessica Smith was making dinner on Sunday night, she and her family suddenly heard loud noises outside their home in Coal Center. “We heard a metal clink, and then a boom, and the house shook,” Smith recounted. She rushed outside to discover the driver’s car embedded in a tree.
“It wasn’t until I heard ‘ugh’ that I looked over and saw that there was a car in the tree,” Smith said. The man behind the wheel was unconscious at first. However, seconds later, as Smith grabbed her phone to dial 911, the situation escalated rapidly.
Why Did the Driver Flee the Scene?
“He got out of the car, and he said, ‘I don’t want to be around for this,’ grabbed his beer and took off,” Jessica Smith stated. She observed that the can of beer was open, and the man smelled strongly of alcohol as he walked away, bleeding from a head wound.
Smith’s account highlights the driver’s immediate decision to evade responsibility. This flight from the scene has become central to the ongoing police probe.
How Was the Driver Located?
First responders from California Borough requested help from Fallowfield firefighters, who deployed a thermal imaging drone to search the area. Chris Ceccarelli with Fallowfield explained the operation’s success.
As reported by field correspondent at the scene, Chris Ceccarelli of Fallowfield Fire Department stated that “using the technology, they spotted the man about 100 to 200 yards away from the scene, about 10 minutes after deployment.” It took another five minutes to pinpoint him on the ground for EMS crews to transport him to the hospital.
Ceccarelli praised the drone’s efficacy: “We were able to find him quicker, so he didn’t end up with hypothermia.” He added, “In my 30 years of doing this, the technology has just bloomed,” underscoring its life-saving potential in adverse winter conditions.
What Do Police Suspect Involved?
California Police Chief Jim Smith told KDKA investigators that alcohol is suspected to have played a significant role in the incident. “Investigators suspect alcohol played a factor in the incident,” Chief Smith confirmed.
Charges remain pending as the investigation continues, with authorities piecing together evidence from witnesses, the scene, and medical reports. Chief Smith emphasised the thoroughness of the probe.
How Did the Tree Prevent Disaster?
Eyewitness Jessica Smith expressed profound gratitude for the tree’s role. “Thank God for the tree,” she said, reflecting on the near-miss. The vehicle had veered perilously close to her home, endangering her and her children.
“His 100 percent lack of regard for my safety, my children’s safety, for even his own safety, for leaving an accident, I really feel like he deserves what’s coming to him,” Smith asserted. Her statement captures the emotional toll on residents.
Who Responded to the Incident?
The response involved coordinated efforts from multiple agencies. California Borough first responders initiated the call, promptly enlisting Fallowfield firefighters for advanced thermal imaging.
Chris Ceccarelli’s team from Fallowfield provided critical support. EMS crews then handled medical transport, ensuring the driver received prompt care despite his flight.
When Did the Incident Unfold?
The crash occurred on Sunday night in Coal Center, a small community in Washington County, Pennsylvania. Specific timing details align with Jessica Smith’s account of preparing dinner, placing it in the evening hours.
Given the current winter weather in the region, the timely drone deployment proved vital, as Ceccarelli noted the hypothermia risk.
Where Exactly Did It Happen?
The incident took place in Coal Center, Washington County, near Jessica Smith’s residence. The car struck a tree, halting what could have been a collision with the house.
This location’s proximity to residential areas amplified the potential dangers, as Smith highlighted.
What Technology Proved Pivotal?
The thermal imaging drone emerged as a game-changer. Deployed by Fallowfield firefighters at California Borough’s request, it located the fugitive driver swiftly.
Chris Ceccarelli detailed its efficiency: spotted within 10 minutes at 100-200 yards, followed by ground confirmation in five more. This marked a stark contrast to traditional search methods.
Are Charges Forthcoming?
Chief Jim Smith of California Police confirmed that “charges are pending as the investigation continues.” Suspected alcohol involvement forms a key focus.
No arrests have been publicly announced, pending full inquiries.
How Close Was the Near-Miss with the House?
Police are also probing a related report of a man nearly crashing into a house before fleeing in Coal Center on the same Sunday night. This aligns with Smith’s ordeal, suggesting a possible sequence of events.
The house shook from the impact, per Smith’s description, illustrating the razor-thin margin.
What Risks Did the Driver Face?
Bleeding from his head and reeking of alcohol, the driver collapsed roughly 150 yards away. Ceccarelli credited the drone with averting hypothermia amid chilly January conditions.
Medical transport followed swiftly.
Eyewitness Reactions?
Jessica Smith’s family endured a terrifying evening. Her vivid recollections—”metal clink, boom, house shook”—paint a scene of sudden chaos.
She remains shaken but resolute in her criticism of the driver’s actions.
Official Statements in Full?
Chief Jim Smith’s KDKA interview yielded clear suspicions: alcohol as a factor. Fallowfield’s Ceccarelli focused on tech’s triumph over his 30-year career.
Smith’s quotes underscore personal stakes.
Broader Implications for Road Safety?
This case spotlights impaired driving dangers in residential zones. The successful drone use signals advancing emergency tech adoption.
Pending charges may deter similar recklessness.
Investigation Status Update?
As of January 26, 2026, probes continue without formal charges. Police urge witnesses to come forward.
The story draws from on-scene reporting, witness interviews, and official briefings, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
