Crime & Safety

Police Blotter: Driver Crashes, Destroys Speed Detection Machine

Police cite woman for careless driving.

A woman fell asleep at the wheel of her sport utility vehicle and crashed into the Sewickley Police Department's speed-monitoring machine and its trailer, reported.

Sewickley Police reported that Rachel N. Kirk, 21, of Valencia was on her way to work shortly before 7:30 a.m. July 25 when she struck the speed trailer in the 300 block of Centennial Avenue. The machine, which clocks passing drivers and projects their speed, is used by law enforcement agencies to remind motorists to slow down and follow the speed limit.

Officers arrived to find that Kirk wasn't seriously injured, but the seat belt had left cuts on her shoulder. Police towed her 2011 Toyota RAV4.

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Kirk told officers she was on her way to work when she fell asleep and woke after a loud, violent impact. Police said the impact of the crash pushed the speed trailer about 20 feet into a large tree.

A passerby reported the crash to police, and a neighbor who was on his porch having coffee rushed to help Kirk from her SUV.

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Police cited Kirk for careless driving.

Borough officials said the destroyed speed machine will cost thousands of dollars to replace.

 

Sewickley Police also responded to the following recent incidents; arrests do not indicate conviction.

 

Bat, raccoon complaints

  • Police responded at 8 a.m. Aug. 10 to the 800 block of Orb Street for a complaint of a bat locked inside a resident’s room. Police were unable to locate the bat and told the resident to call police later if needed.
  • Police were called to the 300 block of Beaver Street for a bat in the house. The bat was caught and released at the park.
  • On Aug. 12, police were called to a home in the 800 block of Ohio River Boulevard for a bat in the house. An officer was able to catch the bat in mid flight and safely released it outside.
  • Police received a report of a sick raccoon walking around in circles panting on a resident’s patio. Police said they euthanized and disposed of the raccoon.

Hit and run

  • Police were asked Aug. 8 to assist Ohio Township police look for a white tractor-trailer that was involved in a hit and run in Emsworth. Police found the vehicle on Route 65 and stopped the tractor-trailer across from Burger King. Ohio Township police arrived and took over.

Plastic prank 

  • Police received a complaint from a resident that someone wrapped her pickup truck in plastic. Police said the incident occurred between midnight and 4 a.m. Aug 6.

Dog attack reported

  • Police received a report Aug. 4 that a man was walking his dog in the 500 block of Centennial Avenue in late June when a dog ran off a porch and attacked his pet. When the owner attempted to break up the two pets, the stray dog began to attack him, police said. The man had bites and injuries to his elbows, knees and hands. Police said the owners did not want to press charges.

Idling truck reported

  • Police responded to a complaint Aug. 3 about a diesel truck idling outside a Kramer Street home. Police issued a warning to the driver and warned the dealership that vehicles will be cited for idling behind the building.


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