Police: Driver stopped on road, caused crash that injured 2 adults, toddler

NEW STANTON, Pa. — Police said a "bad split second decision" caused a crash that left three people injured, including a toddler.

The crash occurred just before 10 a.m. in the northbound lanes near the Youngwood exit of Route 119 in New Stanton.

Investigators said Kathleen Shook, of Canonsburg, wasn't sure what exit to use and stopped her Subaru near the interchange for the turnpike and Route 66.

"(She) made a really bad decision of where to put (her) vehicle, and I think we've all experienced that panic situation where you're not sure if you get off or not get off," said Trooper Steve Limani, of the Pennsylvania State Police, Greensburg barracks.

Limani said Shook pulled onto the left side of the road where the berm was narrow. A Cadillac Escalade crashed into the side of Shook's Subaru, causing the Escalade to roll over several times and land on its roof in a grassy median.

Two people in the Escalade -- Kristina Cossell and a toddler from Connellsville -- were injured and airlifted to a hospital. The woman was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the vehicle. Officials said she is in serious condition. The toddler suffered a broken leg.

State police are stressing safety on the roads on the eve of one of the busiest travel days of the year.

"We are going to be out there in force to enforce speed, lane changing, texting and driving, seat belt violations. We're going to be proactive to stop people from aggressive driving and keep everyone safe (during) their holiday travels," Limani said.

The northbound lanes of Route 119 near the Youngwood exit reopened around 3 p.m. after having been closed for several hours in order for state troopers to reconstruct the accident.

Police said Shook will likely face a citation for the crash.

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