News: DUI suspect charged after fatal pedestrian crash in New Florence

WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PA — A 52-year-old woman has been charged after a fatal hit-and-run crash Monday night in New Florence that killed a pedestrian, reports WPXI.

The fatal incident occurred on 13th Street, near the Dollar General Store.

Pennsylvania State Police said the suspect, an East Wheatfield resident, was behind the wheel of a vehicle that fatally hit the victim, 61-year-old Barry Lynn Cassidy, of New Florence.

The driver fled the scene following the crash but police later located her near her home, about eight miles away. She admitted to responding officers that she and two passengers had taken heroin prior to the crash, and that she was aware her vehicle had hit someone.

The suspect has since been charged with “homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence,” as well as “accident involving death while not licensed,” and other offenses.

Authorities said she was booked into Westmoreland County Prison, where she was denied bail. She is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on May 26.

At Chaffin Luhana, a compassionate team of Pittsburgh personal injury lawyers is dedicated to securing to the compensation your family deserves after a traumatic crash. Call us at (412) 345-8144 or reach out online to arrange a free, no-obligation case review. We are here to help you understand all your legal options during a hard time.