EMS official arrested in hit-and-run incident

Matthew McKnight, who is the assistant director of operations at Fayette EMS, was arrested for a hit-and-run crash that resulted in severe injuries to one person on Saturday night. The crash took place at the intersection of East End Road and Memorial Boulevard in Bullskin Township around 10:30 p.m. According to Pennsylvania State Police, a collision involving several vehicles occurred, with a 2019 Dodge Journey and a 2011 Dodge Caravan initially stopped in the left-turn lane of Memorial Boulevard. It was reported that McKnight, 46, driving another vehicle at a high speed, entered the same lane and struck the Dodge Caravan, causing it to hit the Dodge Journey. After the collision, McKnight fled the scene but was later found at his nearby residence. His vehicle showed significant front-end damage consistent with the crash. McKnight was subsequently taken into custody and suspended from his position at Fayette County EMS. The victim of the accident, identified as 76-year-old James Blackburn, was airlifted to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in critical condition. McKnight is facing charges including DUI and aggravated assault by vehicle. Fayette County District Attorney, Michael Aubele, issued a statement expressing concern about the charges. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as available.