Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin has announced a Lower Macungie Township woman has been charged in relation to a pedestrian fatality in South Whitehall Township.

In a media release Aug. 13, Martin’s office announced Sahar Atiyeh, 52, of Lower Macungie Township, has been charged with one count each of accidents involving death or personal injury, a felony of the second degree; homicide by vehicle, a felony of the third degree; involuntary manslaughter, a misdemeanor of the first degree and recklessly endangering another person, a misdemeanor of the second degree. In addition, she is charged with one count each of the following summary offenses: reckless driving, careless driving and driving vehicle at safe speed.

The incident was detailed as follows: On Oct. 21, 2018, at approximately 9:08 p.m., members of the South Whitehall Township Police Department responded to a report of a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle in the 1700 block of Mauch Chunk Road. The vehicle was no longer at the scene.

The victim was unresponsive and severely injured. He was identified as Scott White, 37, of Towamensing Township, Carbon County.

White was pronounced dead at the scene by a member of the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office 9:38 p.m. The cause of death upon autopsy was determined to be multiple blunt force injuries.

The crash was investigated by Sgt. Joel Wischner of the South Whitehall Township Police Department.

Atiyeh voluntarily appeared at the police department Oct. 22, 2018, and submitted to an interview.

As a result of the investigation, it is alleged Atiyeh was driving her vehicle, a 2016 Toyota Highlander, in the 1700 block of Mauch Chunk Road in South Whitehall Township when she struck pedestrian White and left the scene. In addition, it is alleged that Atiyeh was grossly negligent and reckless in striking and causing the death of White.

As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest has occurred or a complaint has been filed is merely an accusation; and the defendant, Atiyeh, is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.