Driver accused of hitting Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix volunteer identified, charged
PITTSBURGH —
Authorities say they have identified the driver they say hit a dedicated volunteer for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix in July.
Matthew Demopoulos is facing charges of aggravated assault by vehicle, accidents involving death or personal injury, reckless driving and failing to stop and render aid.
Mark Sheldon was hit by a vehicle in Pittsburgh’s South Side neighborhood on July 15, 2026.
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Police said Sheldon was found lying in the road at South 28th Street and Sidney Street, which is at the SouthSide Works.
Witnesses said Sheldon was working the outdoor event when a car drove around the barricades.
Officials say the vehicle turned around and drove into an opposing lane where Sheldon was replacing a barricade. According to the report, the vehicle hit Sheldon, causing him to fall onto the road and hit his head.
After the incident, the vehicle drove around Sheldon and away from the scene.
Sheldon suffered major head trauma and other injuries, requiring two surgeries. For the first month, he was unable to open his eyes.
Authorities say they tracked down Demopoulos with the help of a witness as well as a surveillance camera from Nan Xiang Soup.
Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 anchor Chandi Chapman spoke with Sheldon’s brother Patrick Sheldon at the end of last month.
He told us his brother is beginning to walk and talk. At the time, his family said all focus was on his brother’s recovery.
“ It’s entirely been about Mark,” Patrick Sheldon said. “I can understand why most people would say, ‘What’s happening now?,’ but we don’t care. Put your wishes into Mark.”
A GoFundMe page to help Mark Sheldon has been set up at this link. As of Friday evening, the campaign was a little over $4,000 shy of the $60,000 goal.