HICKORY TWP., Pa. (EYT) — State police responded to a hit-and-run accident that occurred yesterday morning in Hickory Township.

According to Marienville-based State Police, the incident was reported around 7:17 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, on Church Hill Road, approximately two miles north of German Hill Road, in Hickory Township, Forest County.

Upon Trooper Rupp’s arrival to the scene, he observed a utility pole on the center of the roadway and lines down, with no vehicle in the area. Church Hill Road was blocked for both lanes of travel.

There were several icy patches of snow on the roadway at this time.

It was determined that a vehicle was traveling north on Church Hill Road and exited the right side of the roadway, 82 feet prior to striking the utility pole.

Upon further investigation of the incident, the vehicle — a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado — was located with visible front end damage.

The owner of the vehicle, 50-year-old Joseph L. Kress, of Pittsburgh, was found and interviewed.

Kress reported that he was driving and slid off the roadway. He said that he did not report it to police because he did not have service at the time.

He was not injured.

Kress is being charged with the following violations:

– Vehicle Code 3361 (Vehicle at safe speed)
– Vehicle Code 3745 (Accidents involving damage to unattended vehicle or property)
– Vehicle Code 3746 (Immediate Notice of accident to the police department)
– Vehicle Code 3714 (Careless Driving)
– Vehicle Code 3309 (Driving on roadways laned for traffic)
– Vehicle Code 4581 (Restraint system)

Trooper Bauer, Hickory Township Volunteer Fire Department, and Frank’s Towing assisted at the scene.