Man charged for hitting pedestrian with vehicle

An Oil City man is facing multiple felony charges for striking a pedestrian with his vehicle Monday night in Cranberry Township before fleeing the scene.

A criminal complaint filed through district judge Matthew Kirtland’s office says trooper Devin Seybert with Franklin state police was sent to the area of 131 Cherry Lane at about 7:15 p.m. Monday for a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle.

Once at the scene, Seybert reportedly learned from witnesses that Thomas Schrum was hit by a red Ford sedan driven by Robert Knickerbocker, 35, the complaint said.

Emergency medical crews transported Schrum to UPMC Hamot in Erie via helicopter, the complaint said.

No update has been provided on his condition.

Another trooper left with Seybert to go to the address associated with Knickerbocker’s driver’s license, which is on Innis Street in Oil City, the complaint said.

Both troopers found a red Ford Taurus with a large dent and smudge marks on the right side of the hood, the complaint said.

Knickerbocker was located inside the home and taken into custody, the complaint said.

Charges filed against Knickerbocker include felony counts of aggravated assault by vehicle and accidents involving death or personal injury, and single counts of careless driving, reckless driving, failure to stop and render aid and failure to notify police of accident.

Knickerbocker was arraigned Monday night before Kirtland and placed in the Venango County jail after failing to post $85,000 bail.

A preliminary hearing has been tentatively scheduled for Aug. 3 in Venango County Central Court.