SILVER SPRING TOWNSHIP, PA – Dawson Smith has recently pleaded guilty to one count of Aggravated Assault by Vehicle, one count of Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury, one count of Duty of Driver in a Construction and Maintenance Area or on Highway Safety Corridor, and one count of Driving on Roadways Landed for Traffic. On Wednesday, April 13, 2022, Smith struck Bill Layton, a PennDOT flagger, in an active construction zone on Rich Valley Road.
After the incident, Smith fled the scene, leaving Layton with severe back injuries that required surgery and intensive rehabilitation.
The Silver Spring Township Police apprehended Smith after he had tried to conceal the damage to his truck. Layton, previously known to his friends as “the Energizer Bunny” for his active lifestyle, now relies on his daughter for travel to doctor’s appointments and daily activities.
Smith has been sentenced to 11 1/2 – 23 months in Cumberland County Prison, followed by a 24-month probation period. He is also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service. This case was investigated by the Silver Spring Township Police and prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Robinson.
