McKeesport officials to discuss solicitor crash investigation
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McKeesport City Council members will meet this evening with police Chief Bryan Washowich and Mayor Mike Cherepko to discuss an investigation into a car accident that left solicitor J. Jason Elash injured.
Council President Darryl Segina said he requested the meeting to ensure proper police procedure is being followed in investigating the crash, which occurred in the early morning hours of Jan. 22. Mr. Elash had attended inaugural celebrations for the mayor at the McKeesport Palisades the night before.
Chief Washowich said that Mr. Elash was headed south on Route 48 in his 2004 Cadillac Escalade at around 1:30 a.m. when he "failed to negotiate the bend" in the 700 block and veered off the street, crashing into a building about 100 feet off of the roadway. A passerby called 911 after watching Mr. Elash drive into the building and told dispatchers that Mr. Elash was bleeding from the head. He was flown to UPMC Mercy. He remained in the hospital until at least Jan. 23, according to an online docket entry that indicated he had to reschedule a court date for a private client in a federal suit.
Mr. Segina said he hoped to learn, among other things, if Mr. Elash was given a sobriety test. He said the police chief has agreed to share the police report with council members.
Chief Washowich said that police are still investigating the cause of the crash, including whether or not "impairment was a factor," but added that there were patches of ice on the road at the time of the crash. He declined to say if Mr. Elash was given a sobriety test or if blood was drawn for a toxicology screen.
Mr. Elash was let go last year by the previous mayor, Regis McLaughlin. He was then rehired to represent only the council and was re-appointed to represent both bodies at the beginning of Mayor Cherepko's term this year.
Neither Mr. Elash nor Mayor Cherepko could be reached for comment today.
First Published January 31, 2012 12:00 am
