McKeesport solicitor's contract on hold
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McKeesport City Council President Darryl Segina said council has postponed consideration of a full-term contract for solicitor J. Jason Elash until police complete their investigation of a car crash that left him briefly out of work.
Mr. Elash's contract would have been on the agenda for Wednesday night's meeting. But Mr. Segina said he had that item removed pending the final police report on the crash, which occurred early Jan. 22 after inaugural celebrations for Mayor Mike Cherepko at the McKeesport Palisades.
Police Chief Bryan Washowich said Mr. Elash was driving south on Route 48 about 1:30 a.m. when he "failed to negotiate the bend" in the 700 block of the highway in McKeesport and slammed into a building. A passer-by called 911 and said 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.
Chief Washowich said the investigation includes whether "impairment was a factor," but he added that there were patches of ice on the road. He declined to say whether Mr. Elash was given a sobriety test or whether blood was drawn for a toxicology screen.
Mr. Elash was let go last year by the previous mayor, Regis McLaughlin, who declined to cite a reason for it. He was then rehired to represent only the council. He was reappointed to represent both council and the mayor's office at the beginning of Mr. Cherepko's term this year.
Mr. Elash could not be reached for comment.
First Published February 3, 2012 12:00 am
