MCADOO — A Tamaqua man is facing charges after McAdoo police say they followed drag marks along Route 309 to locate a pickup truck involved in a hit-and-run crash.
John Joseph Pupko, 72, is charged with a third-degree misdemeanor count of accidents involving damage to an attended vehicle or property and a summary count of failing to notify police of an accident involving vehicle damage.
Police Describe South Kennedy Drive Crash
According to an affidavit filed by McAdoo Police Chief Anthony Divirgilio, the crash occurred around 11:40 a.m. on , in the area of 630 South Kennedy Drive.
Police said a woman was sitting inside her black Nissan Altima, parked facing north, when a northbound red pickup truck struck her vehicle from behind. The woman told police the truck continued onto Taylor Street without stopping.
Divirgilio reviewed footage from a neighbor’s security cameras, which police said showed the truck turning onto Taylor Street and then heading south on South D Street. Investigators were able to identify the truck’s license plate, which was registered to Pupko, according to the affidavit.
A Kline Township officer reported seeing a vehicle matching the description traveling south on Route 309 shortly before McAdoo police were dispatched.
Drag Marks Lead Police to Pickup Truck
While searching along Route 309, Divirgilio reported finding drag marks that continued south before turning onto Main Street near McKinley Carpet. He followed the marks to a driveway, where he allegedly found Pupko crouched beside the truck, attempting to remove its right front wheel.
According to the affidavit, Pupko told the chief he had hit a car in McAdoo. When asked why he had not stopped, Pupko responded, “I did,” police said.
Divirgilio wrote that he told Pupko the other driver’s account and the surveillance footage indicated he had continued driving away. Pupko gave no response, according to the affidavit.
Preliminary Hearing Scheduled
The charges were filed October 13, 2026, and a summons was issued. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli.
The charges are allegations. Pupko is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.