Charges Pending Against Man Involved in Hit and Run Accident

A man involved in a hit and run accident on South Congress Boulevard Sunday was airlifted to Erlanger Hospital after his vehicle crashed in a rollover on Braswell Lane.
Pablo Valenciano was transported by DeKalb EMS to DeKalb Community Hospital and later flown by Life Force helicopter ambulance to Erlanger in Chattanooga.
According to Trooper Tommy Cooper of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Valenciano was south on Congress Boulevard in a GMC Yukon when he rear ended a Buick Sentry, driven by Kathy Phillips, who was stopped in the southbound lane. In front of Phillips on Congress Boulevard was a Dodge Dakota pick-up truck, driven by Rodney Pelham who was also stopped in the southbound lane, waiting for the traffic light to change at the intersection of Bryant Street near Rite-Aid Pharmacy. Pelham’s truck was pulling an eight foot utility trailer. The force of the crash pushed Phillips’ car into the back of the utility trailer attached to Pelham’s truck. After impact, Valenciano drove away. Minutes later Valenciano lost control of his Yukon on Braswell Lane, left the road and overturned, coming to rest upright in a yard.
Trooper Cooper said Phillips and a passenger of her car, 12 year old Damien Phelps were taken to the hospital by DeKalb EMS where they were treated and released.
Pelham’s wife Teresa was in the truck with him. Neither of them were injured.
Trooper Cooper said charges are pending.
Members of the Smithville Police Department and Sheriff’s Department were also on the scene along with the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department. Trooper Bobby Johnson assisted Trooper Cooper.