SHAMOKIN - A 50-year-old Kulpmont man who allegedly struck a Mount Carmel resident with his van Wednesday night when fleeing the scene of a theft has been arrested on multiple charges, including a felony of aggravated assault.
Kenneth S. Ross, of 733 Pine St., was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Benjamin Apfelbaum of Sunbury on two counts of aggravated assault and misdemeanors of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, theft, receiving stolen property and disorderly conduct.
Ross, who was committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $1,000 cash bail, is accused of hitting Destry Cavada, 26, of Mount Carmel, with a white 1993 Ford van after allegedly helping Carlos Perez steal three guitars and an amplifier valued at $600 from Perez's brother, Shane Perez, in the first block of East Church Street shortly before 9 p.m.
Cavada suffered injuries to his right hand, right elbow and backside and was transported by AREA Services to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital.
Ross was released from prison Thursday after posting bail.
According to a criminal complaint filed by Cpl. Darwin Tobias III, Ross and Carlos Perez had removed the guitars and amplifier and were attempting to flee the area when Shane Perez yelled to his cousin, Cavada, to come outside while threatening to call police to sort out the issue.
Shane Perez said Ross was operating the white Ford van and Carlos Perez was a passenger in the front seat. Shane Perez told police he was able to jump out of the way of the van, but Cavada, who was standing on the sidewalk, was struck by the vehicle, thrown onto the hood and knocked to the ground.
Cavada said he struck the passenger side mirror while falling onto the ground.
Police recovered the guitars and amplifier at Ross' residence.
Ross told police Shane Perez grabbed a windshield wiper while he and Carlos Perez were leaving. Ross said it was possible Cavada struck the van, but he denied hitting anyone.
Police said theft-related charges are pending against Carlos Perez.