Man charged in fatal crash arraigned in police cruiser
A man charged with homicide after a police chase ended in a fatality was arraigned in a state police cruiser Monday morning.
Christopher Anthony Kemp, 27, of Confluence allegedly fled police at speeds in excess of 115 mph Oct. 12. He allegedly crashed into a vehicle driven by Erik Yannitelli, 22, of Farmington on Route 40 in Wharton Township, killing him instantly.
Kemp was transferred to Ruby Memorial Medical Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia after the crash. He was released Monday morning and arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Wendy Dennis.
Dennis said she arraigned him in the police vehicle because Kemp has broken arms and legs.
She said his charges include a non-bailable offense. He was transferred to Fayette County Prison, where Dennis said accommodations were made so that he could be medically cleared for incarceration.
Kemp is charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, homicide by vehicle, fleeing police, driving with a suspended license, reckless driving and two counts of reckless endangerment.
Police initiated the pursuit because Kemp was found to be driving with a suspended license, they said.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 26.