Woman Waives Hearing on Multiple Charges After High-Speed Chase

Jessica Lynn Morelli, 22, of Latrobe waived her right to a preliminary hearing before in her Wilkinsburg courtroom Aug. 23 on multiple charges stemming from a police chase July 30 that started near the Squirrel Hill Tunnel and lasted about 27 miles before coming to a stop in Derry Township.

According to a criminal complaint filed by the Pennsylvania State Police, Morelli attracted the attention of officers after speeding in the Squirrel Hill Tunnel construction zone. The complaint says she reached speeds of 105 mph in her Lexus RX300 with officers in pursuit as she traveled along the Parkway East (I-376), continuing on Route 22 through Murrysville before finally coming to a stop near the intersection of Stone Jug Road in Derry, Westmoreland County.

She was charged with six counts of reckless driving, six counts of careless driving, four counts of disregarding traffic lanes, two counts of failure to stop at a stop sign, one count of fleeing or attempting to elude officers, two counts of recklessly endangering another person, two counts of failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, one count of failing to yield at a stop sign, one count of backing up a vehicle improperly and three counts of failing to use turning movements and required signals.

In addition, Morelli faces charges on one count of exceeding 55 mph in other location by 13 mph, one count of not driving at a safe speed, one count of exceeding 55 mph in other location by 35 mph, one count of exceeding 55 mph in other location by 50 mph and one count of exceeding 55 mph in other location by 25 mph.

Morelli will face the charges in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court.