BERKS COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — A New York man faces multiple charges, including DUI, following a fatal crash that killed two Pennsylvania firefighters on Saturday evening.
Alexander Sepulveda-Rivera, 26, from the Bronx, was driving the vehicle that collided head-on with the Walnuttown Fire and Rescue personnel's UTV around 5:55 p.m. on Route 222, according to charging documents.
Fire Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Fire Chief Robert Shick died as a result of the incident. They were returning from a missing person search when the crash occurred.
Authorities reported that the vehicle struck the firefighters' UTV while they were pulled over on the shoulder. Witnesses stated that after the collision, two individuals exited the vehicle and fled the scene; both were later apprehended.
According to authorities, Sepulveda-Rivera claimed he fell asleep while driving and woke up during the crash. He admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that day and was found in possession of drug paraphernalia.
Police confirmed Sepulveda-Rivera did not possess a valid driver's license and had an outstanding arrest warrant at the time of the crash. Following the incident, he was taken to the hospital for a legal blood test before being processed.
He faces 21 charges, including two counts of homicide by vehicle while DUI, two counts of homicide by vehicle, and DUI, among others.
Authorities indicated that autopsies for Buck and Shick are scheduled for Monday, per the coroner's office.