ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Authorities say an SUV driver is facing charges in a crash that left a woman dead in\u00a0Allentown.<\/p>\n
Eliezer Julius Santiago, 22, of Allentown, faces multiple charges, including Aggravated Assault by Vehicle while Driving Under the Influence, the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.<\/p>\n
The Allentown woman died after her motor scooter was involved in a crash with the SUV Friday night. Officials say the crash occurred at approximately 11:35 p.m. in the 1600 block of S. 4th Street in Allentown.<\/p>\n
The Lehigh County Coroner’s office says the 42-year-old woman was pronounced dead on Saturday, at 3:01 a.m., in the Emergency Department at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest.<\/p>\n
The woman was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, according to the coroner’s report.<\/p>\n
The investigation showed the scooter as traveling southbound on South 4th Street and the victim had just proceeded through the intersection near Lexington Street with a group of two other motor scooter drivers, the DA’s office said.<\/p>\n
According to the\u00a0DA’s office,\u00a0witnesses told investigators an SUV traveling behind the group of motor scooters hit the victim\u2019s scooter from behind.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0DA’s office said the SUV driver then fled the scene. The driver was taken into custody a short distance away when he nearly hit a police vehicle responding to the scene of the crash, according to the\u00a0news release.<\/p>\n
Several witnesses told police that before the crash, Santiago\u2019s vehicle had been driving erratically,\u00a0the DA’s office said.<\/p>\n
Authorities said city and business cameras also captured the entire crash.<\/p>\n
Santiago is charged with felony charges of Aggravated Assault by Vehicle while Driving Under the Influence, Accidents Involving Death or Injury While Not Licensed; and misdemeanor and summary charges that include Driving Under the Influence, Careless Driving, Possession of Marijuana (Small Amount\/Personal Use), Driving Without a License, Use\/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Reckless Driving and Obstructing Administration of Law,\u00a0the DA’s office said.<\/p>\n
Santiago is in Lehigh County Jail under $500,000 bail.<\/p>\n
After these charges were filed, the victim of the crash was pronounced dead, according to the DA’s office.<\/p>\n
The DA’s office said additional charges reflecting the woman’s death will be filed in the near future.<\/p>\n
An autopsy is scheduled for Monday at the Lehigh County Coroner\u2019s Office & Forensic Center to assist in determining the cause of death.<\/p>\n
In addition to the Lehigh County Coroner\u2019s Office & Forensic Center, the Allentown Police Department and the Lehigh County District Attorney\u2019s Office are investigating.<\/p>\n