3-Year-Old Wanders Out Of Motel Room, Struck By Vehicle; Mom Arrested

JEFFERSON HILLS, PA — The mother of a 3-year-old child is in custody after the child wandered out of a motel and was struck by a vehicle on Route 51 Saturday evening.

According to Jefferson Hills police, the child walked out of the Econo Lodge and onto the northbound lanes of the highway. After being hit by the vehicle, the child was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition; the vehicle operator remained on the scene and is cooperating with authorities.

Police said the child's mother, Shawnae Galberth, 26, of Wheeling, WV, had left the victim and another 2-year-old child in the hotel room unattended. Both children left the room and were walking along Route 51 when one of them was hit.

Galberth was charged with two counts of felony endangering the welfare of children. She is being housed in the Allegheny County Jail.

Galberth faces a July 3 preliminary hearing.