A photo from the Oct. 15, 2016 crash scene, showing damage to the vehicle that remained on scene.
An investigation by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office into a 2016 hit-and-run crash at the intersection of Dekalb Pike and Hancock Road has led to charges against a second person — the passenger in the vehicle that allegedly fled the scene.
Mark Tyler, 50, of Wyncote, has been charged with felony counts of insurance fraud and filing a false insurance claim in connection with the investigation. He joins the driver of the vehicle — 41-year-old Nikia Cromartie, of Lansdale — in being charged in connection with the attorney general’s investigation.
Tyler was a passenger in Cromartie’s vehicle at the time of the crash, and he was reportedly knocked unconscious by the impact of the crash, according to the affidavit of probable cause. Tyler required treatment at a hospital, and later received a $100,000 settlement from the insurance company, the report states.
Read more about the crash and the first arrest here
Investigators said that — like Cromartie — Tyler made false statements to the insurance company regarding the time of the crash and which vehicle fled the scene. The report states that Tyler perpetrated fraud in order to assist Cromartie with her claim, and became aggressive towards investigators when they tried to question him or referenced Cromartie being criminally charged.
A representative from the insurance company told investigators that regardless of which party was at fault, Tyler was considered an innocent party as he was the passenger in the vehicle, the report states. The representative added that there were no circumstances that Tyler would not have been compensated for his injuries, with the exception of lying to the insurance company, according to the report.
It is unclear if the insurance company plans on attempting to recoup the settlement funds.
Tyler was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Andrea Duffy on May 12, who set bail at $20,000 unsecured. His next court appearance is a preliminary hearing on June 8 at 1:15 p.m. in front of Judge Duffy.
See also:
Man Charged With 8th DUI Following Traffic Stop On Bethlehem Pike Saturday Afternoon
Telford Woman Accused Of Stealing Elderly Woman’s Wallet At Whole Foods
Norristown Man Accused Of Multiple Overnight Burglaries In Occupied Homes Across Montco
Stolen Firearm Recovered During Traffic Stop On Bethlehem Pike, Police Say
