Arrest Made In Hempfield Hit-And-Run

Hempfield Township police made an arrest Tuesday in connection with the death of a Westmoreland teenager.

Police charged 26-year-old Mathew Richard Snyder, of North Huntingdon, with homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence, hit-and-run and careless driving.

Christopher Hays, 18, was walking home from work early Monday morning when Snyder hit and killed him.

Hays was hit along Route 30 near the Hempfield Point Shopping Plaza. His shift had just ended at the nearby Taco Bell.

Police were searching for a white sport utility vehicle believed to be involved in the accident. A witness spotted the SUV and followed it to the Irwin area, where police found it later in a driveway.

Snyder told authorities he was reaching for a cigarette lighter when the accident occurred and admitted to fleeing. A friend who was with Snyder that day told police that Snyder drank 10 shots of liquor and up to 20 beers.

Snyder is out of jail on $25,000 unsecured bond.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 11.

Previous Stories: April 7, 2008: Friends, Family Of Teenager Killed In Hit And Run Want Answers