Fayette EMS Assistant Director Detained After Hit-and-Run Crash

Overview of the Incident

A significant event occurred in Fayette County when an individual, who is currently serving as the assistant director of operations at Fayette EMS, was taken into custody following a hit-and-run crash that caused serious injuries to one person. The incident took place on Saturday night and has since sparked a detailed investigation by local authorities.

Details of the Crash

According to a statement from the Pennsylvania State Police, officials were called to the intersection of East End Road and Memorial Boulevard in Bullskin Township just after 10:30 p.m. due to reports of a multi-vehicle collision. The investigation revealed that a 2019 Dodge Journey and a 2011 Dodge Caravan were initially stopped in the left-hand turn lane of Memorial Boulevard.

Another vehicle, driven by 46-year-old Matthew McKnight, entered the same lane at a high speed and collided with the Dodge Caravan. This impact caused the Caravan to be pushed into the Dodge Journey. Following the crash, McKnight fled the scene but was later located at his nearby residence. His vehicle sustained considerable front-end damage, which matched the nature of the collision.

Arrest and Suspension

McKnight was subsequently taken into custody. According to the Fayette County EMS website, he holds the position of assistant director of operations. Pittsburgh's Action News 4 contacted the emergency department for more details about McKnight’s current status. The chief of the department confirmed in an email that McKnight was immediately suspended following the incident.

Injuries and Victim Information

The operator of the Dodge Caravan suffered severe injuries and was transported to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. He was reported to be in critical condition. The victim was identified as 76-year-old James Blackburn of Connellsville.

Legal Consequences

State police have indicated that McKnight faces multiple charges, including DUI and aggravated assault by vehicle. This is not the first time McKnight has encountered legal issues. According to information from TribLive, the now-suspended Assistant Director of Operations pleaded guilty to DUI in 2000 and also faced charges related to an Unsworn False Auth Written Statement in 2005.

District Attorney's Statement

Fayette County District Attorney Michael Aubele issued a statement regarding the charges, which said:

"The charges are very concerning and disappointing in light of Mr. McKnight’s employment; that will not, however, affect how we prosecute this matter. We are awaiting updates on the condition of James Blackburn, the victim in this incident, and we will release more information as it becomes available. Mr. McKnight is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law."

Bail and Ongoing Investigation

Bail for McKnight was set at $15,000, and he has been released from Fayette County Jail. An ongoing investigation is being conducted to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.

Additional Local News

As the community processes this incident, other local stories have emerged. Western Pa. school district has postponed the start of the school year after reported threats. A man is facing homicide charges in a fatal Washington County shooting. A woman has been charged after allegedly stealing $64K from an in-home care patient. Allegheny County has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus this year. Additionally, six people were injured when an empty car rolled into a crowd at a community festival.

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