Police: Sex offender part of hit-and-run, didn’t register vehicle

Sept. 22--JACKSON TOWNSHIP, Venango County -- A Cooperstown man who failed to register a vehicle under requirements of Megan's Law was jailed Tuesday in connection to a recent hit-and-run crash.

Bryan Edward Gallagher, 53, was arraigned Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge Patrick Lowrey on charges of a second degree felony count of failure to comply with Megan's Law registration requirements.

Gallagher is accused of operating a 2002 Ford Mustang registered to another person on Saturday. Gallagher lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a left curve on Route 427 at the intersection of Patchel Road, according to a report from state police in Franklin. Gallagher's car hit a utility pole, knocking it and electrical wires to the ground, which led to a power outage in the surrounding area, police report.

Police report that motorists who came upon the crash site saw Gallagher run off into the woods. A police investigation at the scene found an open container of beer in the car's cup holder as well as an open case of beer on the front passenger side floor.

On Monday a police investigation determined Gallagher was the operator of the vehicle. Gallagher was operating the vehicle without a license and insurance, according to the police report. He is also a registered sex offender and had operated the vehicle for approximately two months without registering the vehicle under the requirements of Megan's Law.

Gallagher was also charged with eight summary traffic violations in connection to Saturday's hit-and-run crash, according to the police report.

Gallagher was committed to the Venango County jail Tuesday in lieu of $50,000 monetary bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 28 in district court.

Lorri Drumm can be reached at 724-6370 or by email at [email protected].

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