SCRANTON -- The man accused of hitting a city worker over the weekend, leaving him, and then trying to cover up the crime is free after posting bail.
Maxwell Hatala, 24, made bail around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.
He is free, but is facing numerous charges including several felonies in connection with a hit and run that left a DPW worker with critical injuries.
Hatala had nothing to say on his way out of the Lackawanna County prison.
According to court papers, Hatala had been "at an all-night drinking party." He left and drove around for a few hours before telling police he hit a garbage truck on South Main Avenue, then drove away and hid the vehicle off Connell Street in Old Forge.
Police said Hatala hit Steve Pierson while he was working, pinning him to the garbage truck and causing critical injuries.
Those who know him say the victim has already undergone several surgeries.
Investigators said Hatala admitted to staging a fake crash to cover up his crime, going so far as to steal a hub cap to replace the one he lost on his vehicle and filing a "false insurance claim" and a police report.
Hatala faces four felony charges including accidents involving death or personal injury and filing a false insurance claim.