Man comforting dying pedestrian hit and run
Good Samaritan comforting pedestrian hit and run.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
PLYMOUTH — A former Conshohocken resident who showed compassion and bravery by staying with a fatally injured pedestrian after a hit-and-run incident in Whitemarsh Township has been honoured with a civilian commendation by Montgomery County’s top law enforcement official.
District Attorney Kevin R. Steele commended Jonathon Petrow for his actions on the evening of February 17, 2023. Petrow, who was driving southbound on Butler Pike, witnessed the tragic event unfold. His Tesla’s front-facing camera captured the scene of the accident, showing the victim, Anthony Jonello, lying in the middle of the road. The back-facing camera captured the black SUV Honda Pilot fleeing the scene towards Ridge Avenue.
Steele praised Petrow for stopping his vehicle and staying with Jonello, providing comfort in his final moments. Petrow, who now resides in Mount Laurel, N.J., also played a crucial role in assisting Whitemarsh police with his vehicle’s video recordings, providing a statement, and testifying at the trial of Jennifer Ann Parker, the driver responsible for the hit-and-run incident.
During the commendation ceremony at the Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus in Plymouth Township, Steele highlighted the importance of citizens like Petrow in aiding law enforcement and ensuring accountability in the criminal justice system. He presented Petrow with a civilian commendation for his exceptional service to Montgomery County.
The commendation was one of several awarded to civilians and law enforcement officers at Steele’s annual law enforcement commendation ceremony on May 21. These awards recognise individuals who go above and beyond in protecting and serving the residents of Montgomery County.
Justice Served
In April, Judge Risa Vetri Ferman sentenced Jennifer Ann Parker to 3½ to 10 years in the State Correctional Institution at Muncy for her role in the hit-and-run incident that led to Jonello’s death. Parker, who claimed her vehicle was damaged by a junk collection truck prior to the incident, was found guilty of accidents involving death or personal injury, driving under the influence of marijuana, and leaving the scene of the crash.
Despite Parker’s attempts to deceive law enforcement, the jury determined that she knew she had hit a person. Judge Ferman emphasised the severity of Parker’s actions and added six months to her minimum sentence for her deceptive behaviour.
The investigation into the hit-and-run incident began when Whitemarsh police responded to the scene on Butler Pike, where Jonello was found unresponsive in the northbound lane. Jonello, who had crossed the road from west to east, was struck by Parker’s Honda while in the northbound lane. He later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
Key Evidence
Police discovered vital evidence linking Parker to the crime, including the front-end damage on her vehicle consistent with striking a pedestrian. The vehicle also had fabric residue matching the colour of Jonello’s reflective vest, as well as a flashlight similar to one found at the crash site, indicating a connection to the victim.
Jonello’s family expressed gratitude to Petrow for staying with their loved one in his final moments, ensuring he was not alone. The civilian commendation serves as a reminder of the impact individuals can have in assisting law enforcement and seeking justice for victims of crime.
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– Man receives commendation comforting dying pedestrian hit-and-run driver Whitemarsh
– Man receives commendation comforting pedestrian struck hit-and-run driver Whitemarsh.
