A late-night hit-and-run on Baltimore Pike in Chester Heights Borough, Delaware County, left one man dead and state troopers searching for a driver who took off into the night.
Police say they found the victim, identified as Steven Hulsey, lying unconscious in the northbound travel lanes. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died from his injuries.
According to NBC10 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania State Police troopers were called to Baltimore Pike at Red Roof Drive at about 11:45 p.m. Friday. Investigators say the striking vehicle is believed to be a light-colored SUV or crossover that continued northbound on Baltimore Pike after the crash. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash-cam footage from the area to call PSP's Media Station at 484-840-1000.
What the law requires
Pennsylvania law is not exactly vague on this point. Drivers involved in crashes that cause injury or death are required to stop, share their information and try to get help for anyone who is hurt. Leaving the scene can lead to criminal charges on its own, and prosecutors can bring more serious counts, including homicide by vehicle, if they find evidence of impairment or reckless driving. The specific rules are laid out in Pennsylvania's vehicle code (Title 75).
Why witnesses matter
Hit-and-run crashes are a stubborn problem nationwide, particularly for people on foot. The Governors Highway Safety Association reports that roughly one in four pedestrian deaths involves a driver who flees the scene. That pattern, combined with the late hour of this crash on Baltimore Pike, is a big part of why state police are pushing so hard for witnesses to come forward in Delaware County.
Anyone with information or video from the area around the time of the crash is urged to contact the PSP Media Station at 484-840-1000.
