East Stroudsburg man accused of causing fatal, drunken-driving accident turns himself in

Pennsylvania State Police say the 47-year old turned himself in to the Swiftwater barracks this morning.

An East Stroudsburg man turned himself in to Pennsylvania State Police today on charges stemming from a drunken-driving accident last October that killed the passenger of the car he was operating.

Rodney Hightman, 47, turned himself in at 11 a.m. at the Swiftwater barracks on charges of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence, involuntary manslaughter, recklessly endangering another person and other summary violations.

On Oct. 29, Hightman was allegedly driving drunk when his car spun-off a westbound lane of Interstate-80 in Stroud Township and rolled over. The lone passenger in the vehicle, 46-year old William Brocket of East Stroudsburg, was pronounced dead on the scene by the Monroe County Coroner's Office. Hightman was transported to Pocono Medical Center for treatment of nonlife-threatening injuries.

Police say Hightman was arraigned today in Monroe County and bail was set at $100,000 unsecured. A preliminary hearing has been set for May 25.