(AP) — Authorities say a 12-year-old Pittsburgh girl who got out of her father’s SUV to pose for photos with a boy after her first date was struck and killed by the vehicle.
Police say that Shamera Harris’ parents were getting out of the vehicle to take the picture when it rolled backward around 8 p.m. Sunday. They say 53-year-old Richard Benton was charged with DUI after refusing a breath test following the accident.
He was arraigned Monday. Court records didn’t list his attorney and his home phone was continually busy.
Police say Benton told them he thought the vehicle was in park before he got out.
Authorities say the SUV dragged the girl about 50 feet before striking a tree. Police say that Benton smelled of alcohol and slurred his words.