BERKS COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — A New York man was charged with multiple offenses, including DUI, following a crash that claimed the lives of two local firefighters on Saturday evening.
Alexander Sepulveda-Rivera, 26, of the Bronx, New York, was the driver involved in a head-on collision with Walnuttown Fire and Rescue's Fire Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Fire Chief Robert Shick around 6 p.m. on Route 222. The firefighters were returning from a mission searching for a missing woman when their utility vehicle was struck.
According to authorities, Buck and Shick were parked on the shoulder when Sepulveda-Rivera's vehicle swerved and collided with them. Witnesses reported that following the crash, Sepulveda-Rivera and another occupant fled the scene but were later detained by officers.
In statements to police, Sepulveda-Rivera claimed he fell asleep at the wheel. He admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that day and had a crack pipe and suspected marijuana in his vehicle when apprehended. Authorities noted that he was driving without a license and had an outstanding arrest warrant.
Police transported Sepulveda-Rivera to the hospital for a blood test before processing him at Berks County Central Processing. He faces 21 charges connected to the incident, including two counts of homicide by vehicle while DUI and two counts of involuntary manslaughter.
Autopsies for Buck and Shick were scheduled for Monday, according to the coroner's office.