Watch CBS News

New Details In Fatal Oakland Pedestrian Accident

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The investigation into a fatal pedestrian accident in Oakland took a turn today.

The driver says he left the scene, because he felt he was in danger.

In fact, he says that is what caused the accident in the first place.

"I heard a tired screeching from out my window," student Michael Levine said.

The screeching sound happened just after 2 a.m. Saturday morning on Bates Street in Oakland, seconds later 22-year-old Codie Barrasse was lying in the middle of the street.

The grey BMW that hit him was gone.

"I saw a man laying down in the street," Levine said. "I called the ambulance and went to check on him. And that was a few minutes after. Police were already on avenue. It was pretty traumatic"

Sources close to the case say the driver of the car is saying he took off because his car had been surrounded by three people who were crossing the street and then began banging on the car. The hood , then the roof.

The driver reportedly said someone then tried to open the car door. That's when he took off.

Bassare, a student at Penn State slated to graduate in May, was left in the middle of the street.

It's just sad, horrible," Levine said. "I didn't know the kid, but it's just something you never want to see."

The driver, who has not been identified by police, ended up at the Get Go on the South Side at 18th and Sarah streets and called 911.

The driver and several other witnesses were interviewed by police.

Bassare was pronounced dead a few hours later. He is identified as the son of a prominent Lackawanna county judge.

RELATED LINKS
More On This Story
More Local News
More Police News

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.