A Stanton Heights man yesterday waived his right to a preliminary hearing on charges that he was the hit-and-run driver who killed a well-known Lawrenceville resident in March.

Tyrone Kirk, 33, who surrendered about seven weeks after the incident, had been in the Allegheny County Jail on $25,000 bail.

He was released on his own recognizance, pending formal arraignment in Common Pleas Court. He faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, homicide by vehicle and reckless endangerment.

The charges stem from the March 1 death of Harry Rakoczy, 79, considered by some the unofficial mayor of Lawrenceville.

Mr. Rakoczy was on his way to the Arsenal Lanes at about 4 a.m. when he was struck by a car on Butler Street.

A passing motorist found him lying in the roadway. Mr. Rakoczy was pronounced dead at the scene.