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Suspect in fatal Lower Burrell hit-and-run had numerous previous driving infractions

LOWER BURRELL, Pa. — Police have arrested a man accused of leaving the scene of a fatal accident last week in Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County.

According to police, Anthony Marasco is accused of hitting Robert Zidek on Wildlife Lodge Road near Coulson Drive on March 22.

Zidek died the next morning in a local hospital.

Surveillance video showed a Mr. Rooter van at an intersection near the scene. Police said they then used GPS technology and video to link Marasco to the accident.

According to police, they tracked down Marasco's van, and it appeared to have damage consistent with striking and killing someone. The van was parked behind his mother's home on Pittsburgh Street in Cheswick, officials said.

Marasco's mother didn't comment on the situation, but next-door neighbor Susie Miller said the serious accusations upset her.

"To hit somebody and just leave and not stop is terrible," Miller said.

Zidek's girlfriend, Gina Brandolino, said the arrest of Marasco doesn't change much for her.

"You just keep reliving it and thinking it's going to get easier, but it hasn't gotten any easier," Brandolino said.

Marasco is being held in the Westmoreland County Jail with bail set at $75,000. He is charged with accident death and reckless endangerment.

Bob Beall, operating partner for Mr. Rooter, released the following statement, "We are in 100 percent cooperation with the police in all matters. Our hearts and souls go out to the Zidek family."

From 2008 to 2011, Marasco was charged with numerous traffic infractions, officials said. Beall confirmed that his company does background checks on all new employees, but wouldn't go into further detail about Marasco.

He pleaded guilty to speeding, misusing his plate card and driving with a suspended registration in 2009.

In February, less than one month before the fatal accident involving Zidek, Marasco was pulled over by state police for violating rules on the Pa. Turnpike, police said.

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