Driver Charged In Death Of Student In Bensalem
BENSALEM, Pa. (CBS) -- An 18-year-old driver has been charged in connection with the death of a 16-year-old who died after she was struck by an SUV while she was walking to her school bus in Bucks County in December.
Bensalem Police announced Friday that Michael Shelly has been charged with Homicide by Vehicle, Involuntary Manslaughter and other charges in the December 17th incident that killed Minete Zeka.
"He's at fault. This child is dead because of him," Bensalem Township Police Public Safety Director Fred Harran told Eyewitness News.
"He feels terrible about what happened," Shelly's attorney, Stan Lacks, told Eyewitness News.
It happened at about 6:40 a.m. on Bensalem Boulevard near Bridgewater Road.
According to investigators, a School District of Bensalem bus was stopped on the road with its flashing lights on. Police say Shelly, who was driving a 1984 Ford Bronco, ran through the signal and drove past the bus, hitting Zeka, who was attempting to get on her school bus.
Zeka was rushed to Aria Health Torresdale Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Zeka was a sophomore at Bensalem High School.
Detectives have ruled out drugs and alcohol, but say they are investigating the possibility of distracted driving.
In addition to the above charges, Shelly is facing charges of Recklessly Endangering Another Person (4) counts, Overtaking School Bus and related offenses.
He was arraigned Friday afternoon and his bail is set at $500,000. Judge Leonard Brown also told Michael Shelly he can't drive or have contact with Minete Zeka's family members.
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