Orion E. Williams : “Driver Charged with Child Endangerment in Prospect Park”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. “Prospect Park endangerment incident”
2. “Driver endangerment charges Delco Times”

An Upper Darby man has been charged with endangering his small child after allowing him to sit in his lap, with no belt and hold onto the steering wheel while driving along Chester Pike. The man, identified as Orion E. Williams, 29, apologized to the officer, saying he thought this would calm the child down. The officer pulled the pickup over and saw the operator place the child next to him on the bench seat and put the child’s seatbelt on. Williams was charged with multiple offenses including endangering the welfare of a child, reckless driving, and driving without a license. He was released on $100,000 unsecured bail and faces upcoming court dates.

Man Charged with Endangering Child in Upper Darby Incident

An Upper Darby man has found himself in hot water after being charged with endangering his small child in a shocking incident that took place along Chester Pike. The man, identified as Orion E. Williams, 29, was caught letting his young child sit in his lap, with no belt, and hang onto the steering wheel while driving. This reckless behavior has raised serious concerns about the safety of children on the roads.

Details of the Incident

The incident unfolded on May 7 when Prospect Park Officer David Vorhees noticed a 2002 Ford F-150 pickup truck travelling along Chester Pike with a small child sitting unrestrained in the driver’s lap. The child, who was under 4 years old, was even seen holding onto the steering wheel while the vehicle was in motion. Officer Vorhees immediately pulled the pickup over and witnessed the driver placing the child next to him on the bench seat and belting him up.

Williams, the driver, admitted to Officer Vorhees that he knew he should not have allowed the child to sit in his lap while driving. He claimed that the child was upset and he thought letting him pretend to drive would calm him down. However, this reckless decision put both the child and other road users at risk.

Legal Troubles

Upon further investigation, it was revealed that Williams’ license was suspended, and the insurance policy card he provided was forged. Additionally, a check of Williams’ records showed numerous violations and unpaid citations. The mother of the child also had a suspended driver’s license. Due to the lack of legal insurance, Williams’ suspended license, and the absence of a car seat for the child, the police had the truck towed.

After being warned that whoever picked him up must have a car seat for the child, Williams arranged for a ride home. However, just 20 minutes after the pickup was impounded, Williams was caught trespassing at the impound lot and driving off in the Ford pickup with his child.

Legal Consequences

Williams was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, recklessly endangering another person, theft of services, criminal trespass, tampering with records, reckless driving, and driving without a license, insurance, or safety restraint for the child. Despite being released on $100,000 unsecured bail, Williams found himself in trouble again on May 25 when he was stopped by Darby Township police and faced additional charges.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of following road safety regulations, especially when it comes to the safety of children. The reckless actions of one individual can have far-reaching consequences, and it is crucial to prioritize the well-being of all road users, especially vulnerable children.