CHICORA — An 18-year-old’s case involving a Sept. 30 vehicle crash is heading to the county level.

Thomas W. Parker, of Butler, appeared and waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday before District Judge Lewis Stoughton. Parker has been free since he was released on his own recognizance at his June 6 arraignment.

Parker is facing three counts of felony aggravated assault by vehicle stemming from a crash on Parker Pike near its intersection with Allegheny Church Road.

In charging documents, police said Parker was driving too fast for the way the road was designed, involving an incline. Police said when Parker hit the incline, the Nissan Versa went airborne, and when it landed, he lost control.

Police said the vehicle then exited the road to the right, hit a tree, crossed the road to the left and hit a second tree.

“Three of the four passengers were transported to hospitals by EMS and LifeFlight services with serious bodily injuries,” police said.

In an Oct. 2 news release, state police said all four of Parker’s passengers were girls under the age of 18.

“(Parker) exited the vehicle and began assisting other occupants,” the release said.

The release also broke down the injuries and transportation further. One girl was taken by ambulance to Grove City Hospital, and the other two girls were flown to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Police said Parker and the front-seat passenger suffered suspected minor injuries and refused EMS transport.

Parker is next scheduled to appear for formal arraignment Oct. 11 in Butler County Common Pleas Court.