Police File Charges Against Driver In Ross Twp. Fatal Hit & Run
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ROSS TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – Police have filed charges against the suspect in Sunday's fatal hit and run accident in Ross Township that claimed the life of a local attorney outside of his child's place of employment.
Melinda Gregor, 29, is facing several counts, including felony charges of accidents involving death or personal injury, endangering the welfare of a child and drivers required to be licensed.
Gregor is said to be cooperating with police. Ross Township Police say they seized her car, and she turned herself in late Tuesday afternoon. She was accompanied by her lawyer.
"What happened was tragic, to this gentleman. I can tell you, it was rainy that night. That's not making any excuses here, but it was a very, very bad downpour the Steelers were playing in. The road conditions were not good and it was very, very dark," said defense attorney Phil DiLucente.
As Gregor walked into the police station, she whispered, "I'm sorry."
According to police, Michael Menner, 50, of Glenshaw, was hit by Gregor's car in the 2300 block of Babcock Boulevard Sunday night. Menner was taken to a local hospital where he later died.
The driver did not stop after hitting Menner. Less than 24 hours after the incident, police developed information determining the driver's identity and put out a warrant for Gregor's arrest. They say she was picking up a pizza from a nearby restaurant just before the accident.
"The restaurant, I would say, is a quarter of a mile at best from the accident scene. She picked up the food and then not that far down the road, hit this gentleman, is our belief," said Det. Brian Kohlhepp, of Ross Township Police.
Police said Menner was coming from the Philly Pretzel Factory and was heading towards Shenanigan's Bar and Grill, which is across the street. Employees at the Philly Pretzel Factory said Menner is the father of an employee at the restaurant.
On Monday, police said they had a "strong suspect" in the case.
KDKA's Christine D'Antonio Reports:
Casey White, who until mid-morning Tuesday represented the suspect, released this statement:
"My client is fully cooperating with the Ross Twp. Police Department. She is hopeful that her willingness to come forward will help ease at least some of the immense pain and sadness that the Menner family will endure as a result of this tragic accident."
But DiLucente is now representing Gregor.
Police continue to investigate why she left the scene after the accident.
"I can't discuss what other counsel may or may not have done, or what should have been done or not done. All I can tell you is, the minute I found out there was a warrant, I turned her into police," DiLucente said.
He is also looking into the possibility Gregor may have hit a deer on the road.
