Police: 2 Arrested In Deadly Bensalem Hit-And-Run
BENSALEM, Pa., (CBS) -- Police say two arrests have been made in connection with a deadly hit-and-run accident in Bensalem, Bucks County.
The accident happened around 6:30 p.m. Thursday along the 4100 block of Bristol Pike.
Police say a pedestrian, identified as Vincent Peary, of Philadelphia, was found lying on the shoulder of the southbound lane.
He was immediately taken to Aria-Torresdale Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
"Hearing something like that, especially so close to my business, it affects me, and it affects my barbers too," barbershop owner Don Suarez said.
"I felt really bad, we were having an event here and there was a lot of people looking up onto the bridge, and then we had heard the gentleman passed away," inn owner Patty Adamski said.
Police say Melissa Rasiul, of Bensalem, has been arrested for the fatal hit-and-run accident.
According to police, they received a credible tip which led them to locating Rasiul and the vehicle she allegedly drove, a 2003 GMC pick-up truck.
Rasiul is being charged with accidents involving death (hit and run) and for driving with a suspended PA license.
Police say Stephen Pagano, of Bensalem, has also been charged in connection with this investigation for the alleged role he played covering up the crime. Pagano is being charged with tampering with evidence.
"It appears they hid the vehicle from our sight that night. They then took it to a location in Philadelphia where they did some other things that we really can't get into right now," Sergeant William McVey of Bensalem Police said. "There is damage consistent with this accident."
Police say there is no evidence at this time that drugs or alcohol played a role in this deadly hit-and-run.
Rasiul and Pagano remain jailed, unable to post bail.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Bensalem Police at 215-633-3719.