SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. — A Berkeley County man faces two misdemeanor charges in connection to a fatal Shepherdstown crash.
Shepherdstown police have charged Jose Rosales-Matos, of Martinsburg, with failing to yield to a pedestrian on a crosswalk and not properly exercising caution to avoid hitting a pedestrian on a roadway. His car reportedly hit Shepherdstown man Joseph Bullock on July 4, who later died from his injuries.
Police said Rosales-Matos cooperated with them after remaining on the scene of the crash. According to investigators, Rosales-Matos was neither speeding nor using a cellphone during the incident. Rather, police said that he was distracted by another vehicle making a turn, ultimately crashing into Bullock.
The charges against Rosales-Matos have been sent to Jefferson County Magistrate Court for trial.
“This is a tragic loss for our community, and our thoughts remain with Steven’s family and everyone who knew and loved him,” Shepherdstown Mayor James Gatz said. “The circumstances of this tragedy underscore how much can be happening at once at some of Shepherdstown’s downtown intersections, particularly where vehicles, pedestrians, crosswalks, and turning traffic come together.”
“Drivers need to remain constantly aware of pedestrians crossing the street, and pedestrians should remain alert to the traffic around them,” Gatz continued. “Even a momentary distraction can have tragic consequences. The Town is very appreciative of our Police Department for its thorough investigative work and the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office for its assistance.”