Scranton police arrested a city man in connection with a Christmas Eve hit-and-run that killed a pedestrian.
Donovan Ritz, 19, faces charges in the death of Quincy Evans, who police say was run down by an SUV driven by Ritz.
Ritz allegedly struck Evans near 801 Providence Road Tuesday night. Officers were dispatched to the scene around 10:35 p.m. Evans was transported by EMS and pronounced dead at Geisinger Community Medical Center, police said.
Evans, 35, had recently moved to the area, according to the Lackawanna County Coroner's office.
On Christmas morning, around 9:40 a.m., police arrived at the entrance of Sweeney's Beach in the 100 block of Poplar Street and located a black Jeep Cherokee, the suspected hit-and-run vehicle
Police said investigators contacted the car’s owner, Heather Hoinowski, and “navigated their way to the truth.” Police said Hoinowski told investigators that Ritz, her boyfriend, stole her vehicle. Investigators determined Ritz was the driver at the time of the crash and charged him in connection with Evans’ death, police said.
No charges were filed against Hoinowski.
Charges filed against Ritz
Ritz faces three counts, including one felony:
- Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury
- Duty to Give Information and Render Aid
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person
Ritz was arraigned on Christmas before Magisterial District Judge Paul Ware, who set bail at $50,000, according to court records. Ritz was committed to the Lackawanna County prison after failing to post bail.
A preliminary hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. Jan. 8 before Ware.
