Former Sheriff’s Deputy Hits Mother and Two Young Kids in Crosswalk, Avoids Conviction Through Rehab Program

A former Clinton County sheriff's deputy has been granted entry into an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program following a serious traffic incident.

The case stems from a November 2025 collision in Lock Haven where two children were struck while using a designated crosswalk.

Video footage of the incident captured the moment the vehicle hit the children, causing significant public concern.

The mother of the victims, Manda Haines, has publicly expressed the profound emotional toll the event has taken on her family.

She noted that her daughter, who once aspired to join law enforcement, now experiences fear regarding police officers.

Gunner Vuocolo, the 23-year-old driver, was employed by the Clinton County Sheriff's Office at the time of the crash.

Officials clarified that he was off-duty and operating a personal vehicle when the accident occurred.

The sheriff's department later confirmed that Vuocolo was required to resign after failing to meet state certification requirements for the training academy.

Following the collision, Vuocolo faced multiple charges, including reckless driving, careless driving, and four counts of reckless endangerment.

The decision to grant him entry into the rehabilitative program is typically reserved for first-time offenders who meet specific legal criteria.

This outcome means that the former deputy will avoid traditional criminal prosecution if he successfully completes the court-mandated requirements.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation regarding pedestrian safety and the accountability of public officials in Pennsylvania.

Community members have raised questions about the fairness of the legal process in cases involving law enforcement personnel.

While the legal proceedings for the traffic charges have concluded with this program, the impact on the victims remains a central focus for the family.

The Clinton County Sheriff's Office maintained that the termination of Vuocolo was strictly related to his failure to achieve state certification.

They emphasized that the traffic incident was not the primary factor in his departure from the department.

As the legal process moves forward, the community continues to monitor the situation and its implications for local road safety standards.