LUZERNE COUNTY -- Police in Luzerne County arrested a man Friday night for a hit and run that left a jogger dead and a community angry and the driver accused of hitting the woman then taking off has multiple DUI arrests in his past.
“I wish I was dead.”
Michael Scavone, of Harveys Lake, made clear his feelings as officers led him into his arraignment here near Dallas where he was charged with numerous offenses including homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence.
Harveys Lake Police say Scavone struck Paula Jones, 31 of Factoryville, while Jones was jogging on Lakeside Drive around 6 Sunday night.
That accident happened near Lynn Austin's home.
“We didn't know what it was at the time,” said Austin. “And then we saw the sneaker and we were able to see her and they immediately called 911.”
Police say Scavone didn't stop after hitting Jones, who later died at the hospital.
A short time after the crash, Police found Scavone's Honda CRV parked at his home here Brook Street, a short distance from the crash site.
Investigators say Scavone's blood alcohol level was .214 roughly two hours after he reportedly hit Jones and police say Scavone admitted to driving the Honda, saying he had been drinking and was lucky to have made it home.
Police report Scavone has a long list of prior arrests, including a cocaine bust in 2008 and at least two DUI arrests before that.
Since he left the scene of a deadly DUI crash, if convicted Scavone faces a mandatory minimum of three years in prison.
“Previous, previous citations, I don't understand that and then this happens so I am very happy to hear that he's been arrested,” said Austin.
Due to his prior arrests bail was set at $400,000 straight.
Scavone has a preliminary hearing scheduled for next Thursday at 9:30 am.