Trial starts for Ross woman accused in fatal hit and run

Trial began Wednesday for a Ross woman accused in a 2017 hit and run crash on Babcock Boulevard that killed a North Hills attorney.

Melinda Gregor, 30, is charged with hitting 50-year-old Michael Menner shortly before 7 p.m. Dec. 17, 2017.

Menner was crossing Babcock Boulevard near Shenanigan’s Bar and Grille to get his car, which was parked at the Philly Pretzel Factory, police said.

He was pronounced dead that night at Allegheny General Hospital.

Witnesses told police they saw a white car hit Menner and throw him into the air, according to the criminal complaint. One witness said she thought she saw the vehicle — later determined to be driven by Gregor — turn into a nearby parking lot a short distance away.

Police determined that broken car parts at the scene were those of a Subaru Legacy.

Surveillance footage from businesses along Babcock showed Gregor picking up takeout at nearby Monte Cellos restaurant, according to the criminal complaint. The manager of the restaurant was able to identify Gregor because she previously worked at the eatery, police said.

Security footage showed a young child in the car with Gregor.

A search warrant for Gregor’s white Subaru Legacy showed damage to the passenger side of the front end, according to the complaint. Police noted a large dent in the hood and a break in the passenger side of the windshield.

Testimony will continue Wednesday afternoon in the jury trial in front of Common Pleas Judge Beth Lazzara.

Gregor is charged with accidents involving death or personal injury, child endangerment and driving without a license.