Friday, July 03, 2009

Officer Donnie Breeden Arrested for Hit and Run

Pittsburgh Police arrested a Crafton Police officer this morning on charges he struck and killed a 24-year-old man with his vehicle, then fled from the scene, two years ago in the South Side.

Donnie L. Breeden, 38, of Green Tree, turned himself in this morning at police headquarters in the North Side. He was taken to the Allegheny County Jail and was being arraigned this afternoon on charges of involuntary manslaughter and causing an accident involving death or personal injury.

Assistant Police Chief Maurita Bryant said investigators received an anonymous tip three days ago leading them to Breeden.

"We were able to obtain a warrant for — I don't even want to say officer — for Breeden," Bryant said at a news conference this afternoon. "This is like a slap in the face for every police officer who honors the badge. You stop, you render aid and you wait for officers to arrive. ... He chose to keep going and keep it a secret all this time."

Police have examined Breeden's vehicle — a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer — and found areas that have been repaired, Bryant said.

The victim, David Hall of Moon, died after he was struck first by Breeden's vehicle, and then by two others, at about 11:40 p.m. July 20, 2007 in the westbound lane near the Duquesne Incline, police said.

More people could be charged, Bryant said, adding that some of Breeden's "acquaintances" were following him in another vehicle and saw him hit Hall. The group was driving to a bar or club in the South Side, she said.
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Other Information: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_632426.html

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