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Police: Sun Glare to Blame After Driver Strikes a Southampton Senior on Street Road

Marion Soltner, an 84-year-old Southampton resident, was struck while crossing Street Road shortly before 8 a.m. Friday morning.

 

Police Chief Ron MacPherson says the 84-year-old pedestrian who was struck by a car and then thrown to the ground while crossing Street Road in front of Harkins Autobody shortly before 8 a.m. is undergoing emergency surgery at Abington Memorial Hospital.

Marion Soltner, of Cherry Lane, is fighting for her life after suffering what the chief called “life-threatening injuries” to her entire body.

Soltner was struck by a green 2000 Buick Regal at around 7:47 a.m.  as she crossed from the eastbound side of  Street Road to the westbound sidewalk.

The driver of the striking car, Kimberly Lawrence, 35, of Warminster, told police the glare from the sun caused her not to see the elderly woman until it was too late.

After striking Soltner, Lawrence pulled into the nearby BP gas station and dialed 911, MacPherson told Patch. Lawrence told responding officers she couldn’t pull over immediately for fear of causing another accident.

Police said the accident was initially reported as a hit-and-run, but as Lawrence pulled over and called 911 as soon as it was safe to do so, charges for fleeing the scene are not warranted.

MacPherson said Soltner walks from her Cherry Street home to the Southampton Post Office on a regular basis to meet a friend who gives her a ride.

Police are awaiting toxicology results before announcing whether or not charges will be filed against Lawrence, MacPherson said.

The accident caused traffic delays until about 8:30 a.m. along Street Road as police diverted traffic into the center turning lane as officers conducted their investigation at the scene.

Any witnesses to the accident are asked to contact Officer Milt Warrell, at 215-364-5000 ext. 140.

Related Topics: Accident, Kimberly Lawrence, Marion Soltner, Pedestrian, Street Road, and Upper Southampton Police Department

J

11:24 am on Saturday, January 7, 2012

That's a shame but she's old enough to know better about crossing on the middle of street rd. 100 ft away is a crossing light.

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southampton resident

9:19 pm on Monday, January 9, 2012

That's not very nice Joe. Poor older woman, rest in peace Marion.

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Upper South resident

12:41 am on Tuesday, January 10, 2012

I have known this woman for most of my life. She was a dear friend of my mother who passed away several years ago. Joe's comment is unnecessary and offensive to those who knew her. I hope her grieving family didn't have to see it. Joe, maybe you should put a little more thought into your posts especially when you're commenting on a person who you don't even know and who has been seriously injured. I'm sure you aren't perfect either. RIP Marion. You will be missed!

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