Yesterday afternoon, a school van was involved in a hit-and-run accident on Pittsburgh's north side near the 16th Street Bridge. The Pittsburgh Police responded to a collision that included a school van transporting a group of juveniles, according to the City of Pittsburgh news release. The driver of the van allegedly hit another vehicle and then opted to leave the scene with six children on board hastily.
Parents of the children, who were around 10 years old, were contacted by the juveniles from inside the van, and they, in turn, reached out to 911 to report the situation. They were able to quickly track their children's phones to follow the van's route. Pittsburgh Police from Zone 1 are investigating the incident.
Subsequently, at about 4:15 p.m., the van was intercepted by the Mt. Oliver Police at the intersection of Becks Run Road and Wagner Street. The six juveniles were found unharmed and were released to their families. There were no injuries reported from the event.
The driver, an adult male, was apprehended and taken into custody. He confessed to Zone 3 officers that he had been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. He is now to face charges for his actions, including driving while intoxicated, and is being held at the Allegheny County Jail as a result.
Further details will emerge as the Pittsburgh Police proceed with their ongoing investigation.
