Hit-and-Run Crash in Bethlehem Critically Injures Pedestrian
A Bethlehem man has been charged in connection with a hit-and-run crash that critically injured a pedestrian on July 19, authorities said.
Leroy Mendez, 37, allegedly struck a 24-year-old woman near a parked vehicle on East Fourth Street around 1:30 a.m. The woman sustained severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and a partial foot amputation, and remains hospitalized in a coma.
The crash also damaged two other parked vehicles, one of which was occupied. Police discovered Mendez's damaged vehicle later that morning in a garage behind his residence. Investigators found parts from the crash scene matched those missing from Mendez's vehicle, and forensic testing revealed biological evidence consistent with that of the victim.
Mendez reportedly admitted to drinking before driving and showed signs of impairment during a field sobriety test. A blood test indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 0.126%, exceeding the legal limit. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, insurance fraud, and recklessly endangering another person.
Mendez was taken into custody and is being held at Northampton County Prison with bail set at $250,000.