BERKS COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — A New York man faces multiple charges, including DUI, following a fatal crash involving two firefighters on Saturday evening.
Alexander Sepulveda-Rivera, 26, from the Bronx, was driving the vehicle that struck Walnuttown Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Fire Chief Robert Shick head-on around 6 p.m. on Route 222. The firefighters were stationary in a UTV on the shoulder after searching for a missing woman when the incident occurred.
Authorities reported that after the collision, Sepulveda-Rivera and another occupant fled the scene. Officers later apprehended both, identifying Sepulveda-Rivera as the driver. In a police interview, he claimed he fell asleep at the wheel shortly before the crash.
Charging documents indicate that Sepulveda-Rivera admitted to using marijuana earlier that day. Officers found a crack pipe and suspected marijuana in his vehicle. Notably, he lacked a valid driver's license and had an outstanding warrant.
Sepulveda-Rivera has been charged with 21 offenses, including two counts of homicide by vehicle while DUI, two counts of involuntary manslaughter, and failure to stop and render aid. He was taken to the hospital for a legal blood test before being processed at Berks County Central Processing. Autopsies for Buck and Shick are scheduled for Monday, per the coroner's office.