Crime & Safety
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 in front of 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.
Find out what's happening in Upper Southamptonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
MacPherson said Soltner walks from her Cherry Street home to the 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.
