Lester man charged with DUI in pedestrian hit-and-run

Justin Popelak was speeding when he hit a pedestrian, according to police. Credit: PPD

A 20-year-old Delaware County man has been charged with driving under the influence in the pedestrian crash at 54th Street and Woodland Avenue early Wednesday morning, officials said today.

Justin Popelak, from the 200 block of Massasoit Street in Lester, was apprehended at 58th Street and Grays Ferry by police.

Police said Popelak’s 2012 Honda Civic hit a yet unidentified pedestrian who was crossing the intersection. Popelak was speeding, police said. The driver and front seat passenger fled on foot but the backseat passenger stayed at the scene.

Popelak was also charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and other offenses.

The pedestrian remains in critical condition with a compound leg fracture at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.