A tragic incident in Pennsylvania has left a family grieving after a 9-year-old boy was struck and killed by a pickup truck, with the driver allegedly fleeing the scene and later claiming he thought he had hit a pile of rocks. Thomas Earl Cole, 53, now faces serious charges, including vehicular homicide while driving under the influence.
Details of the Incident
The collision occurred around 5 p.m. on Friday near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Lacock Street in Rochester, a suburb northwest of Pittsburgh. According to a criminal complaint obtained by WPXI, Therman Wallace, 9, was riding his bicycle when a black truck turned right and struck him. Surveillance footage allegedly shows the truck failing to stop after the impact.
Authorities traced the vehicle to Thomas Earl Cole, who was taken into custody at his home by Rochester police. Court records reviewed by Law&Crime indicate Cole has been charged with vehicular homicide while driving under the influence. Additional charges include accidents involving death or personal injury and DUI, as officers reported detecting an odor of an intoxicating beverage on his breath during their interaction.
Alleged Statements to Police
Cole reportedly made a notable comment to an officer, asking, “How can I get a DUI if I have been drinking at my house all day?” He later admitted to driving in the area, attempting to find his way home due to a road closure. Cole told investigators he felt a bump but, upon looking back, saw only what he believed was a pile of rocks.
Following his arrest, Cole was booked into the Beaver County Jail without bail. He was arraigned on Saturday and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 7.
Community Mourning
A GoFundMe campaign organized by Therman’s aunt describes him as a “bright, loving child whose life was taken far too soon, leaving our hearts broken and our community shaken.” The fundraiser adds, “My sister and her husband are facing the overwhelming pain of losing their son, and we are doing everything we can to support them during this difficult time.” It concludes with a plea: “Please, slow down and watch our babies that play on these roads.”
According to his obituary, Therman was a “very outgoing” child who made friends wherever he went. He enjoyed Minecraft, Roblox, UNO, fishing, and riding four-wheelers and bikes with his brothers and friends.
School Remembers Student
Rochester Elementary Principal Rachael Cipolla informed families that Therman was a third-grade student. A remembrance was held Monday evening at the school. “This is an unimaginable loss, and our thoughts are with the student’s family, Rochester siblings, friends, and all who knew and loved him,” Cipolla wrote. “In times like this, finding the right words is difficult. Rochester is more than a place of learning - it is a community, a family - and when we lose one of our own, we all feel that loss together.”
