Charges Filed In Fatal 2018 Hit & Run

Read the original articles here: 
https://www.hazletonnewsone.com/newsblog/police-searching-for-hit-run-vehicle

And here:
https://www.hazletonnewsone.com/newsblog/search-continues-for-hit-and-run-suspect

On August 15, 2018, at approximately 004 hours, Hazleton Police Patrol Division responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a vehicle versus a pedestrian on North Church Street between 19th Street and 20th Street.   Paramedics responded to the scene and began life saving measures on an adult male victim struck by the vehicle.  Shortly thereafter, the victim was pronounced dead at LVHH.  The driver of the vehicle left the scene prior to police arrival and an investigation ensued. 


Hazleton City Police Detective’s responded to the scene and began to conduct an investigation with the assistance of the PSP Forensic Services Unit and CARS Crash Reconstruction Unit.

On August 25, 2019, after a lengthy and comprehensive (13) month investigation, the operator of the vehicle, identified as David H. Dodd, 47 years of age of Hazleton was charged and arrested without incident.

Dodd was arraigned and was set at $75,000 unsecured.

Dodd was charged with the following:

Accidents Involving Death (Felony 3)
Fail to Render Aid (Misdemeanor 3)
Failure to Make Immediate Notification Accident involving Death (Misdemeanor 2)

The Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office provided tremendous support and legal assistance as well as specialized DNA Testing, which was a major component in solving this case.