CLINTON COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — A mother is seeking accountability following her children's injuries from a vehicle collision involving a former sheriff's deputy.
According to witnesses, Manda Haines' children, Eli and Raelynn, were struck by a car driven by Gunner Vuocolo at an intersection on Nov. 18, 2025. Both children were four years old at the time and suffered serious injuries, including a concussion for Raelynn, who also experienced extensive bruising and the loss of baby teeth. Eli sustained bruises and scratches.
Manda Haines reported that the children had the walk signal and began crossing when Vuocolo's vehicle turned into the wrong lane. “He could have missed us if he would have been paying attention,” she stated.
After facing multiple charges, Vuocolo was accepted into Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, a diversion program that permits him to avoid jail time. Haines expressed frustration, noting he faced potential jail time of three to five years. “Then I found out, like three minutes before the hearing, that it was going to be just six months probation,” she said.
Both children are undergoing therapy, grappling with the emotional aftermath of the incident. Haines described the ongoing trauma, saying, “Raelyn talks about it all the time… ‘that cop with the shiny red car hit us.'”
The sheriff's department confirmed Vuocolo is no longer employed, but stated his termination was unrelated to the incident. Haines is considering legal action, insisting that the punishment does not reflect the severity of the situation. “Six months probation isn't going to do it,” she added.
The family continues to navigate recovery as they seek closure.