Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Cheltenham Township Police Chief John Slavin announced today the arrest of Shaikan Pitts, 38, of Philadelphia, for Homicide by Vehicle–DUI and other charges related to the November 25, 2023, two-vehicle crash in Elkins Park that killed 33-year-old Laishah “Nala” Holloman.

According to a press release on behalf of the District Attorney’s office, Cheltenham police arrived at Old York Road and Spring Avenue to find Holloman trapped under her white Ford van. 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 Pitts.

The Rogue struck the driver’s side door with such force that it caused the van to go into a spin and then overturn, officials said. 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 arrrested on Tuesday, March 26 on charges of Homicide by Vehicle–DUI, Driving Under the Influence, Accidents lnvolving 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 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 1:30pm April 8 before Magisterial District Judge Emmett Madden.

The case’s criminal complain form can be found below:

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Photo: Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office