The man accused of killing a volunteer firefighter in North East with his car pleaded no-contest in court.
According to the Erie County District Attorney’s office, Dawann Simmons appeared in court on Thursday where he pleaded no contest to the charge of homicide by vehicle.
However, he did plead guilty to the following:
- Accidents Involving Death While Not Licensed
- Driving While Suspended
- Reckless Driving
- Violation of Duties of Drivers in Emergency Response Areas
- Driving At Unsafe Speed
- 3 counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person
Several charges were withdrawn related to the defendant’s operation of a motor vehicle while DUI due to evidentiary concerns
Simmons was set to go on trial Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Investigators said Simmons was speeding through a crash scene on Route 20 in North East in August 2023 when his car hit and killed Shawn Giles who was directing traffic.
Simmons is set to be sentenced on Jan. 2.
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