State police have released the two names of the people in the car that crashed into Pikel’s Top Tier Fuels service station, killing one person and causing a fire at the gas station.
State Troopers have charged 33-year-old James Eugene Brown, who has no permanent residence, and 32-year-old Michael A. White of Punxsutawney were in the station wagon that veered off Route 119 and crashed into the gas station, killing 52-year-old Melissa Ann Myers of Commodore who was working in the gas station. Brown was identified as the driver of the car, and had been taken to IRMC for treatment of minor injuries, and he was subsequently released. Troopers believe that Brown was intoxicated at the time of the crash, and was not wearing a seat belt. After the impact, White got out of the car and fled the scene. He was eventually apprehended by Punxsutawney Borough Police later in the afternoon. He was taken to Punxsutawney hospital for treatment of minor injuries and was released.
State police have filed charges against Brown of vehicular homicide while DUI, aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, homicide by vehicle, accidents involving death or personal injury while not properly licensed, two counts of DUI, driving on a suspended or revoked license and other summary driving charges. He was arraigned and placed in Indiana County Jail while he awaits his preliminary hearing at 2:45 PM on July 17th. Police have not filed charges against White.
