Man, 24, charged with DUI in crash that left woman, 84, critical

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Police have arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with a crash that left an elderly woman in critical condition on Monday morning.

Joseph J. Bradley Jr., of Wayside Road, has been charged with aggravated assault while driving under the influence, aggravated assault by motor vehicle and related offenses.

Every morning at 4 a.m., 84-year-old Mabel Stottler crosses Pine Road in Fox Chase and heads for the Dunkin' Donuts. She sits at the first table, orders a small black coffee and an old fashion donut. On Monday, she never made it there.

Police say it was just after 4 a.m. Monday morning when Stottler was struck as she crossed Pine along the 8000 block. Officers arrived to find her unconscious in the street, bleeding from the head with multiple injuries. Her shoes and walker nearby.

"She would walk every morning, especially if the weather was nice, completely around the building. She would drag that walker," neighbor Susan Argerous said.

Investigators say while they were working the scene they were approached by Bradley, who said he'd been in an accident. He pulled over and parked his Chevy Malibu along the 300 block of Dalton Street with its windshield shattered, according to authorities. Bradley reportedly told police he thought he'd hit a deer, but was charged for driving under the influence.

Stottler was rushed to Aria-Torresdale in critical condition. Neighbors describe her as a feisty widow, living on her own, a fixture of the neighborhood and a friend to all.

"She was full of spirit. She was always joking. She would got to the bank. I would see her all the time," Argeros said.