05 January 2023- A Hagerstown man in custody in Franklin County may have been impaired after striking a woman around 9:30pm on January 4th in Chambersburg. Edio Estuardo Melendrez is behind bars on felony accidents involving death or injury charges after failing to post bail of $35,000.
Just before 9:30pm on January 4th, Chambersburg PD was dispatched to the intersection of S Second Street and E McKinley Street for reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. When CPD arrived, the victim was already being treated by EMS and the fire department. One of the EMS personnel said the victim appeared to have a compound fracture to her left femur and they had to immobilize her leg. Additionally, the victim’s neck was immobilized in a brace in order to prevent any additional injuries.
The person who called in the accident to 911 continued to let police know updates of the suspect’s vehicle. Pennsylvania State Police were notified when the vehicle left the borough and continued onto 81NB. Soon after, however, the vehicle crashed near exit 20 and the driver, Edio Melendrez, was taken into custody. While talking to the Trooper, Meledrez allegedly said he had been drinking Modelo beers earlier in the evening.
Reviewing borough security cameras, it became clear that the Melendrez had not stopped for the victim in the crosswalk. The victim is allegedly seen crossing E McKinley Street headed north when the traffic light turns green. Melendrez’s vehicle allegedly did not begin to accelerate until the victim was in front of his vehicle. After he acceleteated, he allegedly struck the victim with the front of his car and then runs her over with the passenger side front and rear tires. Melendrez allegedly continued towards S Fouth Street and did not stop and try to render aid.
Melendrez is behind bars on $35,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is set for January 17th.
Sources: Complaint/Incident Number: C2023-00134, Docket Number: MJ-39201-CR-0000002-2023
