Woman charged in fatal Norristown hit-and-run

Authorities announced the arrest of a 21-year-old woman in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in Norristown.

It happened on May 27 shortly after 4 a.m.

According to authorities, Alexa Laffkas, 21, of Uwchlan Township, faces charges, including leaving the scene of an accident involving death or injury and related charges in the death of 64-year-old Clinton Rucker.

Back in May, Norristown police responded to a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian at Main and Markley Streets. They arrived to find the victim lying on Markley Street just south of Main Street. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A joint investigation by the Montgomery County Detective Bureau and the Norristown Police Department determined that Rucker was crossing Markley Street on foot at the intersection with Main Street. Police say he was midway crossing the street against the light when a Jeep driven by Laffkas entered the intersection and hit him. According to police, Laffkas did not stop to render aid or call police and continued driving to a friend's apartment in Bridgeport.

Investigators also say Laffkas' car entered the intersection when the traffic signal turned yellow and she was traveling at 40 mph in a 25 mph zone.

"The law requires that a driver stop for any car crash. Leaving the scene of an accident when someone has been struck and dies is a second-degree felony and carries significant state prison time," said DA Steele. "If this defendant had stopped, attempted to help the victim and called police, she likely would not be facing this severe of a charge or state prison time. Drivers need to do the right and responsible thing."

Laffkas was arraigned Tuesday. The judge declined to set bail and released her on her own recognizance. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 28.