Benjamin Cope

New charges were filed today against the driver of the SUV that struck and killed a jogger in Mt. Lebanon in June, according to a news release from the Mt. Lebanon Police Department.

Following an investigation and ongoing discussions with the Allegheny County District Attorney's office, the Mt. Lebanon Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin T. Cope, 20, of Mt. Lebanon.

The arrest warrant is for the following charges: homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence; homicide by vehicle; involuntary manslaughter; two counts of driving under the influence of a controlled substance; duties at stop signs; reckless driving; two counts of recklessly endangering another person; possession of a small amount of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia.

The original DUI charges were withdrawn so a new list of charges could be filed.

The investigation revealed that Mr. Cope was driving a black 2003 Toyota 4Runner SUV and was attempting to make a right turn from Beadling Road onto southbound Washington Road when he failed to stop properly at the stop sign 12:14 p.m. June 28.

The Toyota struck Lisa Clay Styles, 36, of Mt. Lebanon, and her stroller. At the time of the crash, Ms. Styles was jogging northbound on the sidewalk along Washington Road, pushing her 3-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter. Ms. Styles died of injuries she sustained. The children were unhurt.

Toxicology tests revealed that Mr. Cope had marijuana in his system at the time of the crash. Arrangements are being made with Mr. Cope's attorney to have Mr. Cope surrender himself to the Mt. Lebanon police as soon as possible.

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