Man waives charges in crash
A former Slovan man charged with aggravated assault by motor vehicle in a crash more than two years ago that critically injured a Fredericktown woman waived his case to court Thursdway.
Bruce Wayne Mayer Jr., 29, of Perryopolis, Fayette County, also waived several traffic violations and a charge of unlawful activities for allegedly driving a vehicle with defective brakes in the Feb. 13 , 2015, crash at the intersection of Route 40 (Main Street) and Maiden Street in Beallsville.
Danielle M. Salva, who was 25 at the time of the crash, was critically injured. State police indicated in court documents she suffered a traumatic brain injury, several fractures and other injuries which caused permanent impairments including chronic pain, impaired cognition, fatigue, insomnia, impaired balance, reduced vision and difficulty in everyday living. Assistant District Attorney Leslie Ridge, who is prosecuting the case, said Salva continues to recover from her injuries.
The state police investigation determined Mayer was going east on Route 40 driving a boom truck carrying a load of drywall. Salva was going north on Maiden. As she drove through the intersection on a green light, Mayer reportedly failed to stop his truck for a red light and struck Salva’s vehicle, police said.
Cpl. John Peters, the investigating officer, and Trooper Todd Stephenson, the accident reconstruction specialist, inspected the truck and determined there were serious deficiencies in the braking system. Mayer reportedly failed to maintain a low enough gear to stay under 20 mph, according to court documents.
Mayer, who is free on $20,000 unsecured bond, will be formally arraigned June 29.