Man Arrested In Connection With Rostraver Pedestrian Hit & Run Crash
ROSTRAVER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – One person has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run pedestrian accident in Rostraver Township earlier this month.
According to police, the incident happened at The Gun Rack on State Route 136 on Nov. 6.
Byron White, 74, was struck by a vehicle while in his wheelchair. The suspect fled the scene shortly after the accident.
White had been in a wheelchair since a stroke about 10 years ago.
"Well, I think the fact that Mr. White is handicapped, confined to a wheelchair from a prior medical condition, I think the outrage comes into play," said Chief Gregory Resetar, of Rostraver Township Police.
White was transported to UPMC Mercy Hospital after the accident, where he remains in critical condition.
Through the course of their investigation, police determined the suspect's vehicle was a Nissan Titan, which was later located in the 200-block of Salem Church Road.
Police say White, the owner of The Gun Rack, was just closing up shop for the evening when he was hit. A serial number on a wheel rim was found immediately after the accident and that led them to suspect.
Don Eichler, of Belle Vernon, was arrested at his home on Friday without incident. He is currently being held in the Westmoreland County Detention Center on $50,000 straight cash bond.
Police say DUI charges could soon be filed in the case as well.
"We suspect that there was alcohol involved in this crash also," said Chief Resetar. "So, there will be addition charges filed at as we receive the evidence."
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 26 at 9 a.m.
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