On Saturday, September 16, 2006, at approximately 01:06hrs, Amherst Police observed a red in color Ford Ranger traveling northbound on North Main Street.
While traveling behind the vehicle in question, the officer witnessed the suspect vehicle weaving from east to west within its lane of travel.
While the officer continued to travel behind suspect vehicle, the driver began swerving to the west and crossed over the center double yellow line on three occasions.
At one point the driver remained left of center for approximately 2 tenths of a mile before eventually swerving back to the east entering back into its proper lane of travel.
The driver then continued swerving to the east and crossed over the white edge line.
A traffic stop was effected and the driver was identified as Mr. Phillip Stern II, age 33 of Lorain.
Mr. Stern exhibited signs of being intoxicated and was uncooperative.
After attempting to get Mr. Stern to exit the vehicle, he refused and fled from the scene while still in the vehicle.
A short pursuit ensued with Mr. Stern traveling eastbound on Cooper Foster Park Road and approaching a red traffic light at the intersection of Leavitt Road.
A vehicle, driven by Shelia J. Pierce, 51 of Grafton, was southbound on Leavitt Road was struck by Mr. Stern’s Ford Ranger on its passenger side. As a result of the collision, Mrs. Pierce suffered fatal injuries.
Both vehicles sustained heavy damages. The Amherst Fire Department was contacted to extricate both drivers from their vehicles and there were no other occupants n either vehicle.
The incident remains under investigation and charges against Mr. Stern are pending.
