Executive Summary
- Alfred Craig, 89, charged with homicide by vehicle for a Nov. 26 fatal crash.
- Pedestrian Melissa Biddle, 68, was killed while walking on Center Church Road.
- Craig faces additional charges including reckless driving and expired registration.
- Defendant released on $50,000 unsecured bail with a hearing set for Jan. 28.
An 89-year-old resident of Grove City, Pennsylvania, has been formally charged with homicide by vehicle following a fatal collision that occurred in late November. According to a criminal complaint filed by the Pennsylvania State Police, Alfred Craig faces a third-degree felony charge in connection with the death of 68-year-old Melissa Biddle.
Authorities state that the incident took place on November 26 in Liberty Township. Investigators report that Craig was operating a pickup truck along Center Church Road when he struck Biddle, who was walking near the roadway. Biddle subsequently died from the injuries sustained in the collision.
In addition to the felony homicide charge, court filings detail several other offenses lodged against Craig. These include careless driving resulting in an unintentional death, reckless driving, and failure to observe driver’s license restrictions. The complaint also cites him for failing to drive on the right side of the road and operating a vehicle with an expired registration.
During a court appearance last week, a judge set Craig’s bail at $50,000. Court records indicate the bail was unsecured, meaning Craig was released without the requirement to post monetary funds pending further legal proceedings. He is scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge Douglas E. Straub for a preliminary hearing on January 28.
Procedural Next Steps
The elevation of traffic-related charges to a third-degree felony typically requires evidence demonstrating that the operator acted with a level of negligence or recklessness exceeding standard traffic violations. The use of unsecured bail in this instance suggests the court may not view the defendant as a flight risk or an immediate danger to the community, a determination often influenced by factors such as age and prior record. The upcoming preliminary hearing will determine if sufficient evidence exists to advance the case to trial. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
