Jeannette woman accused of hiding hit-and-run suspect in her apartment

Jeannette police accused a 48-year-old woman of hindering apprehension and resisting arrest after she allegedly tried to hide a suspect following a hit-and-run accident this month.

Christine N. Tillman of Good Street is charged in connection with the March 3 accident at the intersection of North First Street and Illinois Lane.

The driver of one of the vehicles, Timothy L. Chavis, 30, of McKeesport, is charged with receiving stolen property, flight to avoid apprehension, driving on a suspended license, possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to court documents, Leah Marsolo, driver of a rental car, told Patrolman Thomas Yaniszeski, who responded to the accident, that she did not have time to stop on the snow-covered street after a Buick passed through the intersection.

Yaniszeski said the driver of the Buick had fled the scene on foot, leaving the vehicle running with the keys in the ignition. Yaniszeski said he tracked footprints several blocks in the snow to a duplex on the 200 block of North Second Street, where residents — including Tillman — refused to give permission to search the apartments.

Reports said Yaniszeski walked to the rear exterior of Tillman’s apartment as police backup arrived.

“A window opened and closed three times … the last time it opened a male jumped from the window. He bounced off the ground and attempted to get up and run,” Yaniszeski reported.

Chavis was arrested at the scene and Tillman was placed under arrest for hindering apprehension. Yaniszeski alleged Tillman resisted arrest as she was placed in handcuffs and taken to the police station for questioning.

Tillman could not be reached for comment. A preliminary hearing is scheduled May 23.