Police, D.A. Offer Reward for Hit-and-Run Leads

by Jonathan Weaver

Armstrong County District Attorney Scott Andreassi and the Pennsylvania State Police are offering a monetary reward for help in a hit-and-run incident last week.

The two parties are offering $1,500 for information regarding a driver who struck Sgt. Kenneth Markilinski, Troop T station commander in Gibsonia, and his patrol car while cleaning debris from the off-ramp of Route 422 West in East Franklin Township February 2.

Andreassi confirmed the report at the WTYM AM 1380 studio in Kittanning yesterday afternoon.

“We’re offering a $1,500 reward for anyone with information regarding the hit-and-run incident with Sgt. Markilinski February 2,” Andreassi said. “Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police at 724-543-2011.”

Andreassi and Lt. Thomas Dubovi of the state police barracks in Kittanning said the money was provided by an anonymous donor and the District Attorney’s office.

Local residents interested in also donating to the reward fund are also asked to contact the barracks.

According to a State Police report Friday, Markilinski is doing ‘better’ after suffering neck and back injuries after being hit by a vehicle while he was cleaning debris and is receiving medical treatment at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Presbyterian Hospital.

State Police continue to investigate the incident and search for the vehicle that hit Markilinski and his cruiser. The vehicle is said to be dark in-color and have light-to-moderate damage on the driver-side.

“That hasn’t changed – that’s why we’re reaching out to the community to see if there might be anyone out there that needs some incentive,” Andreassi said.

Dubovi also said the investigation is ongoing.

“We’re still looking for leads and looking for potential witnesses,” Dubovi said.

He said local police departments are also aware of the situation and are keeping an eye-out for the vehicle.