SCRANTON, Pa. — PennDOT crews have been working around the clock to reopen closed roads, but police say a Lackawanna County man chose to disregard signs and hurt a PennDOT worker in the process.
Harold Nealon, 73, of Clarks Summit, is facing several charges after police say he injured a PennDOT worker and left the scene of the accident.
Crews were working along a section of Newton Road in Scranton's west mountain section when Nealon ignored road closed signs.
"The motorist came upon the road close sign, moved the road closed sign and the cones, and proceeded into the closed work area," said PennDOT official Jonathan Eboli.
According to Scranton police, Nealon stopped when a worker confronted him about passing the closed signs.
PennDOT officials say what happened next terrified the crew on scene.
"He proceeded forward, dragging our employee about 100 feet, causing injuries to an employee who needed to be transported to the hospital."
Scranton police were able to locate Nealon at McDade Park, about a mile away from where the PennDOT worker was injured.
"Our employee was treated and released last night from the hospital and is doing well today," Eboli said.
Nealon is facing charges of recklessly endangering another person, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident.
PennDOT officials say it's very important for drivers to use caution in work zones and follow road closed signs because they're closed for a reason.
"Our crews are out here genuinely trying to get every road open, and they deserve to be able to work safely when they're doing it. And that's what we're trying to do when we close roads is get them open as quickly and safely as possible," Eboli said.
Crews were back out working in these areas again on Tuesday. Workers said they are a little more on edge than normal.
Nealon was arraigned and released. He's due back in court on September 25.
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