An 18-year-old Philadelphia man has turned himself in for the hit-and-run crash that critically injured Temple University student Rachel Hall, Philadelphia Police Capt. John Wilczynski said Thursday.
Rashan Roberts was arrested Wednesday and charged with leaving the scene of the accident — a 3rd degree felony — a week after the silver Mitsubishi Galant he was driving rammed into Hall's bicycle at Park Avenue and Diamond Street in North Philadelphia, Wilczynski said.
The impact sent the 22-year-old flying through the air and crashing to the ground causing severe head and leg injuries.
Wilczynski said Hall disregarded a stop sign at the intersection. Had Roberts stopped following the collision, he most likely wouldn't have faced charges, the captain said.
But Roberts panicked, Wilczynski said, and fled the scene leaving Hall battered on the asphalt. The Mullica Hill, New Jersey native was taken to Temple University Hospital where she remains in critical condition.
Hall's mother, Kathy Hall, is keeping her daughter's friends, family and the public painfully aware of her progress as the Temple student athlete fights to recover.
The girl's family set up a Facebook page, Rachel Hall Temple Strong, where her mother has posted updates on her daughter's condition.
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On Sunday Kathy Hall wrote: I have a positive attitude and in my heart I know Rachel will pull through this, her time on this earth is not yet over. I just worry about the damage to her brain. All the bruises and scars will eventually fade and Rachel will physically look like Rachel, but I worry if she will be the Rachel as I know and love her. Will her personality change? Will she laugh and find joy at the same things? I worry she will not be the same person. That I may lose my Rachel and another Rachel will be in her place. All those things I love about my daughter may no longer exist. It’s really heartbreaking.
Hall was set to graduate Friday, May 8 and take part in ceremonies for the Latin Honors group as well as an athletic award ceremony for playing Lacrosse on Temple's team.
Kathy Hall planned to attend the Thursday ceremonies, "because Rachel will be with me in spirit," she wrote.
Roberts has cooperated with police and his father surrendered the car, Wilczynski said. If found guilty, he faces a minimum of 90 days in prison.
