Officers Make Quick Arrest In Leetsdale Fatal Hit-&-Run
LEETSDALE (KDKA) - Police released new information Monday about the investigation into the hit-and-run death of a jitney driver over the weekend.
The suspect's SUV showed clear evidence of an accident. The man behind the wheel has been identified as 41-year-old Shontelle Harvey.
Harvey allegedly lied about how the SUV sustained the damage when asked by a Sewickley Police officer. Initially, the story didn't add up. Around the same time, police nearby were piecing together evidence of who was behind a hit-and-run.
"That officer, being very alert, continued to observe the vehicle and it was almost immediate that the other responding officers put out the broadcast for a white SUV involved in a hit-and-run," Allegheny County Police Lt. Andrew Schurman said.
Around 3 a.m. Sunday along Route 65 in Leetsdale, jitney driver Charles Britt got out of his car after arguing with passengers he had picked up for a fare.
"There was an ongoing argument in his vehicle and he felt the need to pull the car off to the side of the road. He exited the vehicle, at which time another passing motorist traveling in the same direction hit him," Lt. Schurman said.
Police believe Harvey hit the driver and kept on going. Police said Harvey was drunk and, according to court papers, told detectives he didn't see him. He was not sure if he had hit a vehicle or a person. But, thanks to witnesses, including the passengers, police said they were able to make a quick arrest.
"They gave us a very accurate account of what transpired and were able to give the first responding officers a very good description of the fleeing vehicle," Lt. Schurman said.
Harvey is facing a list of charges, including DUI, involuntary manslaughter and homicide by vehicle.
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