Chester, Pennsylvania police commissioner charged after striking vehicle, fleeing the scene, police say
Chester, Pennsylvania Police Commissioner Steven Gretsky has been charged with multiple motor vehicle offenses after he allegedly fled after striking a parked vehicle, Pennsylvania State Police said Wednesday.
The charges include reckless driving, careless driving, failing to give information to police and other offenses.
On Tuesday, Gretsky announced his retirement after the city announced he would be placed on administrative leave for the duration of an investigation into a traffic incident.
After Gretsky was placed on leave Monday, a spokesperson for Mayor Stefan Roots said Maj. Katrina Blackwell is serving as acting police commissioner. Following the announcement of his retirement, the city said Blackwell would continune serving as acting commissioner until a permanent replacement is named.
In a brief statement, the city thanked Gretsky for his service to the community.
"Chester Police Commissioner Steven Gretsky informed Mayor Stefan Roots that he will retire, effective end of day on Tuesday, January 28. The City thanks Commissioner Gretsky for his service to the residents of Chester. "
Gretsky's leave was also confirmed in a Facebook post on the city's official account.
Pennsylvania State Police said Gretsky was involved in a crash with an unattended delivery vehicle shortly after midnight Monday.
"The operator of the striking vehicle drove from the scene without providing personal or insurance information," PSP said in a news release.
State police said the collision happened near East 22nd and Hyatt streets in Chester. No one was injured.
We've reached out to authorities including the Delaware County District Attorney's Office for comment.
Chester officers are members of the Fraternal Order of Police William Penn Lodge No. 19. Leadership at the lodge declined to comment.