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Suspect In Homewood Hit & Run Surrenders

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A man wanted in a deadly hit and run turned himself in to police.

Alonzo Cotton, 55, of Pitcairn, surrendered to authorities today around 1 p.m. at the Municipal Courts building in downtown Pittsburgh.

Cotton is accused of hitting 50-year-old Ernestine Ross as she walked along a snow bank in Homewood last February.

"He was hesitant to stop in Homewood at that time of night that was during the blizzard we had back in February," James Sheets, the suspect's defense attorney, said. "Unfortunately, because of the city's response, this woman was walking in the street."

At the time, he was charged with aggravated assault, but prosecutors temporarily dropped the charges while the investigation continued.

A passenger who was with Cotton that night came forward saying he warned them they were going to hit a pedestrian.

The passenger also claims Cotton refused to stop until they were farther away.

"There was certainly no intent on his part to harm anyone," Sheets said. "He's been cooperative the entire time.

"This is the second time he's turned himself in on the charges. He gave a statement the last time the charges were pressed against him.

"He's been very cooperative, very apologetic to the family," Sheets added.

Ross died from her injuries four months after the accident.

Cotton is now facing charges of homicide by vehicle and driving under the influence.

Stay with KDKA for the latest details.

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