SHAMOKIN – A man has been held without bail in the death of a Coal Township woman who was found in the middle of a township street two weeks ago. 26-year-old Stephen Kruskie of Mount Carmel was arraigned Thursday at District Judge John Gembic’s office on criminal homicide, aggravated assault, filing false reports with authorities, and several other charges.
Coal Township police say 21-year-old Cheyenne Swartz died at Geisinger last Tuesday. According to court documents, they believe Kruskie and Swartz were arguing when she tried to get out of the speeding vehicle, then was dragged by the vehicle before being run over by the rear wheels.
According to court papers, Kruskie lied to police several times, claiming he was just trying to drop her off. Video evidence then showed what had happened, leading officers to believe Kruskie failed to stop his vehicle, and left Swartz in the middle of the 1400 of West Arch Street, knowing she was severely injured, and failed to render aid. Kruskie is now jailed on those charges.
