Homicide charges filed in crash that killed cyclist

A Hallstead man has been charged with homicide by vehicle while DUI in the October 2021 crash that killed a cyclist in Liberty Twp.

Pennsylvania State Police, Gibson, filed multiple charges against John Dixon, 31, on Dec. 21, 2021 in Montrose District Court related to the Oct. 18, 2021 crash that killed Daniel A. John on State Route 29. John died from injuries on Oct. 20, 2021.

According to the affidavit or probable cause, Dixon was traveling south in a Ford Escape when his vehicle struck the rear end of the bicycle.

At the scene, police seized suspected marijuana and related drug paraphernalia.

A search warrant to get vehicle data was obtained by police. The data indicated that Dixon was traveling at 88.9 mph at the point of impact with the bicycle.

Investigators received Dixon’s lab results from the blood draw obtained following the crash. The report indicated the bood contained amphetamine, methamphetamine and THC.

A witness from a nearby residence told police she heard what sounded like a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed prior to a “loud thud sound,” according to the affidavit. She went outside and observed Dixon yelling, “I can’t believe I hit him.”

Another witness told police she had been traveling southbound on Rt. 29 at 50 mph when a vehicle came up behind her at a high rate of speed and almost rear-ended her before passing her. She identified Dixon’s vehicle as the one that had passed her on the roadway shortly before the crash.

At the scene, Dixon told police he had been passed by a vehicle, looked down at his speedometer and then saw a “black and white streak and struck something,” according to the affidavit. He also told police his vehicle’s airbags deployed and he blacked out. Dixon told police his vehicle was still moving when he came to.

He told police he did not see the bicyclist and that he “Came out of nowhere,” police quoted him as saying in the affidavit.

According to the affidavit, Dixon pleaded guilty to DUI in North Dakota in 2014. His PennDOT driver’s record indicates he possesses an Ignition Interlock License but the 2011 Ford Escape he was driving was not equipped with an ignition interlock device.

In addition to the first degree felony count of homicide by vehicle while DUI, Dixon was also charged with homicide by vehicle; accidents involving death or injury while not license; involuntary manslaughter; DUI: controlled substance; recklessly endangering another person; operating vehicle without ignition interlock; marijuana – small amount personal use; and use/possession of drug paraphernalia

He is scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey Hollister for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 24.