A Ford Explorer reportedly driven by Jose Calo is seen after a fatal crash on West Main Street, Plymouth, on June 25.
Times Leader file photo
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PLYMOUTH — A Nanticoke man was under the influence of fentanyl when he crashed his Ford Explorer that killed a pedestrian on Main Street in Plymouth earlier this year, according to court records.
Jose Calo, 58, of Pine Street, was recorded by surveillance cameras weaving into oncoming traffic when he struck James Mahon, 86, in the area of 10 E. Main St. on June 25, court records say.
Mahon died at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Township.
A blood test revealed Calo had fentanyl in his system, according to court records.
Calo was arraigned Friday by District Judge Donald Whittaker in Nanticoke on charges of homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, two counts each of accidents involving death and driving under the influence, and five traffic violations. He was jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility without bail as Whittaker deemed him a flight risk.
According to the criminal complaint:
Police responded to a vehicle crash in the area of Turkey Hill on West Main Street finding an overturned Ford Explorer near the building.
Bystanders had pulled an unresponsive Calo, the driver of the Ford, from the vehicle.
About 40 yards away, Mahon was partially trapped under a vehicle parked in front of 10 E. Main St.
Emergency medical technicians and firefighters removed Mahon who was rushed to Geisinger where he died, the complaint says.
An autopsy revealed Mahon died from multiple traumatic injuries due to a vehicle crash.
Calo became alert when he was administered two doses of Narcan and was transported to Geisinger.
Video footage showed Calo driving the Ford south on East Main Street weaving into oncoming traffic nearly colliding with other vehicles, the complaint says.
Calo stopped the Ford as the drivers of two other vehicles he nearly struck also stopped to approach the Ford.
Police in the complaint say the two drivers attempted to get Calo’s attention when Calo sped off striking and completely spinning around a parked vehicle before hitting Mahon, who was run over by the front and rear tires of the Ford.
Calo continued to accelerate after striking Mahon crossing into the southbound lane and mounting a curb near Turkey Hill, causing his Ford to overturn, the complaint says.