Suspected scrap-metal theif suspect in hit-and-run incident
WASHINGTON TWP. – An unidentified man who was allegedly caught trying to steal scrap metal from a Washington Township business struck two pedestrians as he fled the scene on Perryopolis Road around 10:45 a.m. Thursday. Washington Township officials said the suspect was stealing scrap metal from Rathway Trucking on Perryopolis Road when the two victims pulled their vehicles across the driveway blocking the man in.
The suspect allegedly got into a tan minivan as the victims exited their vehicles and approached the man.
Officials said he then backed the minivan into a field, turned around, and struck both victims while fleeing the scene through the field.
Officials said one victim, a 40-year-old man, was taken by medical helicopter to Allegheny General Hospital following the incident.
According to officials, the second pedestrian was taken to Jefferson Hospital by ambulance.
The identities of the victims were not available.
The 40-year-old man was listed in fair condition Thursday night.
The condition of the second victim was not known.
At 2:30 p.m. reconstruction teams from the state police were still on scene, according to 911 officials.
Police were able to track down a van and suspect that fit the description provided by the victims and had the man in custody late Thursday for questioning.
Calls to Washington Township police for further information were not immediately returned.
According to Fayette County 911, volunteer firefighters from Washington and Perry townships joined emergency personnel from Rostraver EMS, Washington and Perry township police departments and the state police at the scene.