City of Niles, patrolman sued for 2013 accident

WARREN — Two women from Youngstown and a man from Girard have filed a lawsuit in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court against a Niles patrolman and the city of Niles because of a traffic accident two years ago.

Ashley Gray and Phillip Faunda of Youngstown and Patricia Gaul of Girard filed the suit over an Oct. 25, 2012, accident on U.S. Route 422 near state Route 46 in Niles.

The suit says Gray was in the left westbound lane of Route 422 and approaching the back of a Niles police cruiser operated by Ptl. Thomas Townley Jr., which was westbound in the curb lane.

Townley “suddenly and unexpectedly made a U-turn into [Gray’s] path, causing a collision between the vehicles,” the suit says.

The suit says Townley’s actions were negligent and he is liable for the damage that resulted — injuries to Gray, including a bit tongue and a contusion to her ribs and medical expenses.

Gaul, her front-seat passenger, also received injuries — abrasions to her neck and abdomen and medical expenses.

Faunda, owner of the car, experienced a loss of $2,500 as a result of damage to his car, the suit said.

All three allege negligence or willful or wanton misconduct on Townley’s part and seek at least $25,000 each.

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com