PROSECUTOR HELD IN HIT-AND-RUN DEATH OF SKATER

CHESTER, N.Y. - A county prosecutor is accused of driving into a
Rollerblading couple, killing the husband, and continuing to drive a
half-mile with the body on his car before running away to steal
another car.

Paul Harnisch, 39, was charged with first-degree assault. His family
had earlier called police when Harnisch left home, saying the Orange
County prosecutor is manic depressive and had not been taking medication.

Edwin J. Quirk, 40, died Saturday night.

Tammy Quirk, who was slightly ahead of her husband, received a
glancing blow and minor injuries, police said. The two were skating
Saturday afternoon on a trail that is prohibited to cars.

Police stopped Harnisch after he fled the scene on foot, then
allegedly stole a parked car.

He was arraigned before Quirk died and charged with first-degree
assault. Harnisch was being held without bail on the recommendation of
his boss, District Attorney Frank Phillips.

Harnisch was hired as an assistant district attorney in 1997, and
before that worked 10 years as a prosecutor in the Manhattan district
attorney's office.