Man killed in hit-and-run crash after car broke down in Schererville, Indiana

SCHERERVILLE, Ind. (WLS) -- A 19-year-old woman is in custody in connection with a hit-and-run crash in Schererville, Indiana, that killed a 54-year-old man from Gary.

Joseph McInerney's car broke down in the 300-block of U.S. 41 around 2:30 a.m. Monday, police said. He called for a tow.

McInerney was struck by a passing vehicle as his car was being pulled onto the bed of the tow truck, investigators said. He and the tow truck driver were standing next to the truck when McInerney was hit.

McInerney, 54, was pronounced dead at St. Margaret Mercy South Hospital in Dyer.

Police said the striking vehicle did not stop. It continued north on U.S. 41, pulled into the parking lot of an Omni Health and Fitness and then drove back onto U.S. 41 heading north.

A Schererville police officer spotted a vehicle with front-end damage heading east on Main Street and pulled the vehicle over near Hoosier Prairie State Nature Preserve.

The 19-year-old woman from Griffith, Ind., who is in custody has not been charged. Investigators said she was "lodged at Lake County Jail on a previous Warrant for Failure to Appear."

Lake County officials are discussing charges, police said.