CLINTON COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — A former sheriff's deputy will not face jail time after hitting two children with his vehicle on November 18, 2025.
Authorities confirmed that Manda Haines' children, 4-year-old Eli and Raelynn, were struck while crossing an intersection in Clinton County. The vehicle was driven by former Clinton County Sheriff's Deputy Gunner Vuocolo. After facing multiple charges, Vuocolo was accepted into an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program, which allows him to avoid jail time.
Haines stated her children have suffered emotional trauma from the incident. Raelynn sustained a concussion and physical injuries, while both children have begun therapy. Haines reported they often express fear about revisiting the intersection where they were struck.
“We had the walk signal,” she said. “He turned into the wrong lane. He could have missed us if he had been paying attention.”
Vuocolo faced charges including reckless driving and four counts of reckless endangerment. Haines was informed shortly before a hearing that Vuocolo would receive only six months of probation.
“I feel very unhappy and betrayed over the whole situation,” Haines said. “If he was a random person, not a sheriff, he would be in jail.”
The Clinton County Sheriff's Department confirmed Vuocolo is no longer employed but stated his termination was not related to the incident. Haines is considering legal action and continues to advocate for accountability.