Authorities are on the hunt for 37-year-old William Sever, the man accused of a hit-and-run that resulted in the death of 19-year-old e-bike rider Jayden Lynch in Westmoreland County. According to a report by WTAE, Lynch was struck on North Greengate Road near College Avenue in Hempfield Township in July and did not survive the collision.
The search intensified when, after the incident, two drivers approached the scene to offer help but could only give a vague description of the vehicle that was seen quickly pulling away onto Route 130. Debris from the crash and surveillance from traffic cameras and license plate readers were crucial in identifying and tracking down the suspect's vehicle. CBS News reported that the car's owner loaned it to Sever the evening of the accident.
Upon inspection, investigators found Sever's attempt to mask his involvement: duct tape was affixed to the driver's side mirror, seemingly to cover up damage from the crash. Further complicating Sever's case is the fact that at the time of the fatal event, he was driving on a suspended license due to a prior DUI conviction, as confirmed by the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office.
Troopers served a search warrant at a home in Jeannette and found Sever hiding there along with the car’s owner. The owner told police he had loaned his vehicle to Sever on the night of the crash, and both phone data and witness statements suggest Sever was the driver. As the search continues, anyone with information on Sever’s location is asked to contact state police in Greensburg at 724-832-3288.
