A 64-year-old woman from Fort Wayne has been charged in connection with a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a pedestrian earlier this year. Authorities say the suspect initially believed she had struck a deer.
Incident Details and Witness Accounts
On January 31, Ronald Bjella, 61, was hit near the intersection of Covington and Getz Roads. A witness reported hearing a crash and then seeing a dark-colored SUV back up before driving around the victim and leaving the scene.
Later, the suspect’s son called the police non-emergency line, stating that his mother, Salma Nadrous, had been driving a blue Acura RDX on Getz Road and thought she had hit a deer.
Investigation and Evidence
When police questioned Nadrous, she claimed she was unfamiliar with the area and believed she struck an object in the roadway. She drove home and told her son what had happened.
Investigators later searched her vehicle and discovered a pack of Marlboro cigarettes wedged under the windshield wipers. The same brand was found at the crash scene and on Bjella at the hospital.
Additionally, surveillance footage from a nearby business captured the moment Bjella was struck, showing a car stopping momentarily before leaving the scene. GPS data from Nadrous’ vehicle confirmed she was in the area at the time, stopping briefly before continuing along Covington Road.
Legal Proceedings
Authorities have issued a warrant for Nadrous’ arrest. She has been charged with a felony for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. If convicted, she could face significant legal consequences.
