Orioles Will Honor City Hall Employee Killed In Accident
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It's a $250,000 bail for a man charged in the death of a senior city employee hit and killed last week.
Rochelle Ritchie has more on the charges and how the victim's favorite baseball team will honor him.
The stands will be filled with loyal fans--minus one. Matt Hersl, a devoted Orioles fan and city employee, was hit and killed while crossing the street. The man charged in his death is facing a slew of charges.
Johnny Johnson, 43, is the man Baltimore City police say was behind a black Acura when he hit and killed 45-year-old Matt Hersl.
"I am here looking and see the chase. Next thing I heard was the crash. I went running and seen the man on the ground," said one witness.
Johnson, whose criminal history includes robbery with a deadly weapon, said very little at his bail review as the judge set bail at $250,000.
Investigators say a state trooper spotted Johnson exiting the JFX at more than 100 miles per hour, just as Matt Hersl was crossing the street at Lexington and Pleasant. Police say Johnson slammed into him, killing him instantly. The car landed on its roof. Johnson got out and ran before being tackled by bystanders.
Hersl worked at City Hall for 28 years and loved the Orioles with a passion.
Tuesday night, in honor of Hersl, the Orioles will pay respects to one of their number one fans.
"This was his time of year and his passion was the Orioles," said his brother, Stephen Hersl. "My family and I believe it's just terrible...and we don't want it to happen to anyone else."
After a week of being free, Johnson is now charged with manslaughter by automobile, homicide by motor vehicle and a DUI. Police say a search of the vehicle turned up cocaine, heroin and drug paraphernalia.
Hersl was laid to rest last week. Tuesday night, his seat at Camden Yards will be empty, but dozens will cheer on the O's as he would have.
"The justice system will take care of it. It's not in our hand," his brother said.
The Orioles gave Hersl's family 30-plus seats to enjoy Tuesday night's game. They will also hold a moment of silence.
Johnson remains in the Baltimore City jail.
