Monroe teen charged in crash that killed 1
3/27/2013MONROE — The 18-year-old man who killed a motorist when he crashed into a car during a high-speed police pursuit has been charged with fleeing and eluding causing death.
Austin Hall-Sheedy, of Monroe, was arraigned today in Monroe County District Court on the fleeing and eluding and two other unrelated charges. He is being held in the county jail in lieu of $1.5 million.
Diana Cupp, 59, died Tuesday after her vehicle was struck by Mr. Hall-Sheedy's speeding pickup truck at South Monroe Street and Jones Avenue. She was leaving the Kroger parking lot when she entered the intersection and was struck by his southbound truck.
Monroe police saw Mr. Hall-Sheedy driving erratically on West Front Street and began a chase that covered roughly a mile over two minutes through city streets. Police believe he may have been driving as fast as 60 mph when he ran the red light.
A female passenger in the pickup was questioned. Police have not released her name.
Michael Roehring, assistant county prosecutor, said Mr. Hall-Sheedy could face additional charges.
"Right now we want to act quickly and this is the charge that makes the most sense," he said. Fleeing and eluding is a first-degree felony that carries a 15-year sentence.
Mr. Hall-Sheedy is also charged with robbery in an unrelated incident and is accused of violating probation for a misdemeanor conviction, the prosecutor said.