by Alex Lloyd Gross
It was shortly before 6 p.m. on Nov. 25, 2023. when police said Shaikan Pitts, 38, of the 1400 block of Shelmire Street in Philadelphia, was allegedly driving at a high rate of speed, north on Old York Road. 33-year-old Laishah “Nala” Holloman.was pulling from a private driveway to travel on Old York Road. at the time.
The on-scene crash investigation found that the van had been pulling out of a private driveway when it was struck by a
silver Nissan Rogue driven by the defendant. The Rogue struck the driver’s side door with such force that it caused the van to go into a spin and then overturn. Holloman was pronounced dead at the scene by Cheltenham Township EMS.
A crash investigation by Cheltenham Township Police, with assistance from the Eastern Montgomery Regional Crash Team, found that Pitts was driving northbound on Old York Road, which has a posted speed limit of 40 mph. Physical evidence and analysis found that Pitts was driving at 69 mph at the time of the crash and took no evasive action or braking prior to the crash. Toxicology testing on Pitts’ blood found that his blood alcohol level was .135%, which is above the legal limit, and also found the presence of cannabinoids.
Further, the investigation found that Pitts has never held a valid driver’s license.Pitts was arrested on March 26, 2024, on charges of Homicide by Vehicle–DUI,Driving Under the Influence, Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury While Not Properly Licensed, Reckless Driving, Driving Without a License and related charges. He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge James P. Gallagher, who set bail at $90,000 cash. A bail review hearing was held on March 27, 2024, before Court of Common Pleas Judge Wendy Rothstein, who declined to change the bail amount. Pitts was unable to post bail and was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., April 8, 2024, before