13-02-2025
Police: Johnstown man was speeding in winter conditions before crash that killed woman
CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Johnstown man is facing homicide charges after a 2024 accident that police said involved speeding and winter weather that left a woman dead.
Michael Zimmerman, 31, has been charged for his role in the January 2024 accident that killed Margaret Agnes Roles, according to a criminal complaint. On Jan. 8, 2024, just before 7:30 a.m. officers with the Summerhill Township Police Department were called to a vehicle accident with entrapment on State Route 53.
Officers arrived to find a tri-axle truck facing southbound, driven by Zimmerman, and a white Chevy Cobalt also facing southbound with heavy front damage. Forest Hills EMS informed officers shortly after they arrived on scene that Roles, who was the driver of the Chevy had passed.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Coroner called to Cambria County crash, Route 53 reopened
Pennsylvania State Police, along with the coroner, were called to the scene and they performed a reconstruction of the accident. According to the affidavit, troopers determined that Zimmerman was traveling 57 mph in a 35 mph zone when he failed to negotiate a right-hand turn. Troopers added that the roads were covered in snow and were wet at the time of the accident. Zimmerman then allegedly lost control of his vehicle, crossed the double yellow line and struck Role's vehicle.
An autopsy done by the coroner confirmed that Roles died from multiple blunt-force trauma that she sustained in the crash.
Zimmerman is facing three felony charges, homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault by vehicle and a misdemeanor charge of recklessly endangering another person.
Zimmerman is scheduled to be arraigned on March 26.
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