At approximately 6:40 p.m. on Feb. 1, 2018, officers of the Morgantown Police Department responded to the intersection of Morrill Way and Patteson Drive for a reported traffic crash involving a pedestrian. Officers responded to the scene along with Fire and Emergency Medical Personnel.
The investigation showed that a Ford Explorer was being driven on Patteson drive. The operator of the vehicle failed to stop for a red light and struck Leah BERHANU, 21 years of age of Monongalia County, a pedestrian that was in the crosswalk at the intersection. BERHANU died because of the injuries sustained during the crash.
Officers presented the findings of the investigation and obtained a warrant for arrest for Michelle GELADA, 20 years of age of New York for Negligent Homicide. GELADA surrendered to the Morgantown Police Department today where she was arrested and processed on the charges. GELADA is pending arraignment.
This case is closed due to the arrest of GELADA, no further information will be available while the case is pending court disposition.
The Morgantown Police Department is committed to its goal of eliminating crime in our city. Citizens are encouraged to become a “Partner in Policing”, by reporting suspected criminal activity to Morgantown Police Department Switchboard at (304) 284-7522. If you need immediate Police attention or a crime is in progress call 911.