Telford hit-and-run suspect had many tickets

The Hatfield man arrested and charged in connection with the March 23 hit and run of a pedestrian in Telford has a history of driving infractions, court records show.

In the last 10 years, Mukesh K. Shah, 54, of the 100 block of West Vine Street, was pulled over by officers eight times for violating the vehicle code in various Montgomery County municipalities.

The offenses: exceeding the speed limit by 19 miles per hour, lodged in February 2011; failure to obey a stop sign in December 2010 and January 2001; disregarding a traffic signal in March 2008, October 2007, January 2001, and August 2000; and leaving the scene after damaging an unattended vehicle or property in January 2000.

Shah pleaded guilty to all but the speeding charge, which has yet to be adjudicated. He paid fines of about $100 per incident in seven hearings before four Montgomery County Magisterial Court judges.

Three of Shah's infractions were in Hatfield Township, two were in Lansdale; and one each in Towamencin, Hatfield Borough, and Lower Salford, the records revealed.

Shah, a dishwasher at the Henning's Market in Harleysville, was taken into custody by police Friday in connection with the Wednesday hit and run.

He was arraigned a day later before District Judge Harry J. Nesbitt III, who ordered Shah held on $50,000 cash bail at the Montgomery County prison.

Meanwhile, the hit-and-run victim, identified as Esther Lee, 36, clung to life at a hospital, said District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman.

Police could not immediately find an address for Lee.

"The victim is still alive and receiving care in the hospital. While we remain hopeful that she will pull through, the reports so far are not promising," Ferman said Monday.

A witness driving near the scene of the accident reported that a blue minivan might have been involved and reported the license plate to police.

Based on evidence collected at the accident scene and damage to Shah's van, police charged Shah with causing an accident involving serious injury or death, lying to authorities, reckless endangerment, and failure to stop and render aid.

A preliminary hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. April 5.