Man who allegedly hit Seattle dribbler claims hospice care, released from jail
NEWPORT, Ore. -- The man accused of hitting and killing a Seattle man attempting to dribble a soccer ball to Brazil for charity was released from jail Tuesday, The News Guard reported.
Scott Van Hiatt, the Oregon man charged with criminal negligent homicide in the killing of Richard Swanson on May 10, told Lincoln County Court Judge Sheryl Bachart that he is in hospice care and asked to be released from jail in order spend the final months of his life at home. He appeared on a court TV wearing a portable oxygen mask for the hearing.
However, Lincoln county District Attorney Rob Bovett argued it was not known for certain whether or not Hiatt was actually in hospice care. Bovett said Hiatt had prior convictions for perjury, and that his claim may have been false.
Hiatt was charged with killing Swanson in a crash on Highway 101 in Cutler City, Ore.
Though Hiatt was released from jail, prosecution in the case is expected to move forward.