Watch CBS News

High-Speed Chase Results In Deadly Fayette County Crash

WHARTON TOWNSHIP (KDKA)- A high-speed chase along State Route 40 in Fayette County ended with an innocent driver being killed.

The chase started around 6 p.m.  in the area of Wharton Township.

Police say 27-year-old Christopher Kemp was driving a 2002 Chevy Cavalier that was registered to a woman from Confluence. They say he sped away from police because he didn't want to get arrested due to driving with a suspended license.

Police say Kemp was driving at speeds over 115 mph on State Route 40. He was traveling in the wrong lane to avoid police and nearly caused several head-on crashes, including nearly ramming a state police cruiser.

Eventually, at the intersection of State Route 40 and Rankin Road, Kemp's car slammed head-on into a white sedan.

Erik Yannitelli, 22, of Farmington, was pronounced dead at the scene. His Facebook page shows he was a chef at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.

Kemp was flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital for injuries he suffered in the crash. The passenger in Kemp's car was taken to Uniontown Hospital for treatment.

Kemp is being charged with homicide, homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault, fleeing and eluding and additional traffic charges.

Stay With KDKA.com For More Details

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

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.