DA: Driver Who Killed Trick-or-Treater Won't Be Charged

Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin announced Tuesday no charges will be filed against a driver who struck and killed a pedestrian on Oct. 26 along Schantz Road in Upper Macungie.

He had been trick-or-treating with a friend at about 8:20 p.m. and was in costume.

The driver of the vehicle, Christopher Lee, 29, of Whitehall Township, will not be charged in the incident, Martin said.

"I determined, based on all of the evidence collected during the investigation, that the motorist did not engage in any criminal conduct that was a principal factor in causing the accident," Martin said in a press release.

The investigation revealed that Lee immediately stopped, called for help and checked on Steinmetz. Lee stayed on the scene and was fully cooperative with police.

Police analyzed evidence in the area, made a diagram of the scene and interviewed Lee and other motorists.

The investigation, completed by the Berks-Lehigh Regional Police Department, the Upper Macungie Police Department and the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office, noted Steinmetz was wearing non-reflective clothing and was walking in the same direction as traffic with cars approaching from behind.

There are no shoulders or curbs in the area and the posted speed limit is 35 mph.

The press release said chief deputy district attorney V. Paul Bernardino III met with Steinmetz's parents March 15 to explain the investigation and its conclusion.