Tow truck driver charged in Lower Merion fatal crash

Lower Merion (WTXF) - Authorities say a tow truck driver has been charged in a fatal crash in Lower Merion earlier this month.

According to authorities, Farran Haynes, 44, was arrested in connection with the crash that resulted in the death of 72-year-old Huiqing Jiang.

On December 2 shortly before 7 p.m., Lower Merion Township Police responded to a report of a male lying on Righters Mill Road just west of Woodbine Avenue. Jiang was found unresponsive and he later was pronounced dead at Lankenau Hospital. No vehicle was found on location.

An investigation of the crash determined that Haynes was driving a 2012 Dodge Ram 5500 Flat Bed Tow Truck, owned by Bala Motor Sports, when he struck the pedestrian, according to authorities. Police say the investigation revealed that the he allegedly did not stop to offer aid to the victim and later attempted to conceal the damage to the truck. Investigators say the suspect operated the vehicle that day in excess of federal regulations and was found to have altered a Commercial Medical Certificate.

Authorities say Haynes is charged with Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury, Failure to Stop and Render Aid, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Forgery and Operating with Unsafe Equipment. He was arraigned today. Bail has been set at $25,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 5.