Homicide by Vehicle Charged Following Susquehanna Police Chase & Crash

A Windsor man is charged with Homicide by Vehicle and other counts following a fatal crash while he was fleeing Police in Susquehanna County March 15.

Pennsylvania State Police say 34-year-old Matthew Palmer was driving a Ford F450 pickup truck at a high rate of speed on Damascus Road in Harmony Township at 12:47 p.m. when he drove off the north side of the roadway and grazed a large tree.

Troopers say the pickup then traveled across the north and southbound lanes before hitting a tree on the southbound side of the road head-on, spun and hit a tree on the side and continued spinning, hitting several other trees and a utility pole before coming to a rest on the side of the road against the trees and utility pole.

Authorities say as the truck spun out of control, front seat passenger, 31-year-old Jeffrey Haines of Deposit, was ejected from the vehicle.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Palmer was taken to Wilson Memorial Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.

The rear-seat passenger in the truck, 22-year-old Jennifer McEwen of Windsor was not injured.

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Troopers have not indicated any injuries to Lanesboro Police Chief James Smith, who was pursuing the pickup truck.

The news release from the State Police also does not indicate why police were attempting to stop Palmer's vehicle.

State Police say Palmer is charged with Homicide by Vehicle, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, Involuntary Manslaughter, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Aggravated Assault and several violations.