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Former Chester police commissioner charged with reckless driving for fleeing crash scene

Steven Gretsky, who announced his retirement Tuesday amid the investigation into the crash, hit a parked car and drove away without giving its owner his insurance information, according to police.

Steven Gretsky, seen here in 2021, has been charged with reckless driving and other summary offenses, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
Steven Gretsky, seen here in 2021, has been charged with reckless driving and other summary offenses, according to Pennsylvania State Police.Read moreTYGER WILLIAMS / Staff Photographer

Chester’s recently retired police commissioner was charged with reckless driving Wednesday for a hit-and-run crash he fled from earlier this week, Pennsylvania State Police said.

Steven Gretsky, 46, also was charged with careless driving, failing to give his insurance information at the scene of the crash, and other summary offenses, according to a statement from state police.

(Summary offenses are minor criminal charges that usually result in fines or other penalties.)

Gretsky did not return a request for comment.

The crash took place just after midnight on Monday, as Gretsky was driving a department-issued vehicle on East 22nd Street near Hyatt Street in the city. Witnesses told police a black SUV struck a parked delivery vehicle and its driver sped away without stopping.

Investigators later determined the car was driven by Gretsky.

As news about the crash circulated Tuesday, Gretsky announced his retirement, ending a 22-year career with the police department in his hometown. The Bala Cynwyd-based law firm Campbell Durrant will conduct an internal review of the incident, according to city officials.

A spokesperson for Mayor Stefan Roots said officials “trust the state police and the independent counsel retained by the city to their jobs well” in investigating the crash.

Gretsky’s second-in-command, Maj. Katrina Blackwell, will serve as acting police commissioner while a search for his replacement is conducted, officials said.