BERKS COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — A 26-year-old New York man was charged with DUI following a fatal crash that killed two firefighters on Saturday evening.
Alexander Sepulveda-Rivera, of the Bronx, was driving a vehicle that collided head-on with Fire Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Fire Chief Robert Shick while they were inside a UTV on the shoulder of Route 222.
The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. while the firefighters were returning from searching for a missing person, according to authorities.
Witnesses reported that after the crash, two individuals fled the scene but were later detained by police, who identified Sepulveda-Rivera as the driver.
In an interview, Sepulveda-Rivera claimed he fell asleep while driving and was awakened by the impact. He admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that day and possessed a crack pipe found by officers, who also discovered suspected marijuana in his vehicle.
Authorities noted Sepulveda-Rivera did not have a driver's license and had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
He was transported to a local hospital for a blood test before being taken to Berks County Central Processing. Sepulveda-Rivera faces 21 charges, including two counts of homicide by vehicle while DUI and involuntary manslaughter.
Autopsies for Buck and Shick are scheduled for Monday, according to the coroner's office.