RICHMOND TWP., Pa. – Authorities have identified the driver involved in the roadway crash that killed two Berks County firefighters Saturday evening, confirming the driver was under the influence at the time of the incident.
Fleetwood police say that at 5:57 p.m., multiple fire companies, Berks County Search and Rescue, and other agencies were searching for a missing 60‑year‑old woman in the area of Kutztown Road in Richmond Township, just north of Route 662.
The Berks County Coroner says Walnuttown Fire Chief Jeffory L. Buck, of Maidencreek Township, and Walnuttown Assistant Fire Chief Robert R. Shick, Jr., also of Maidencreek, were in a UTV side-by-side vehicle traveling on the shoulder of Kutztown Road.
At the same time, police say 26‑year‑old Alexander Sepulveda‑Rivera, of the Bronx, New York, was driving south on Kutztown Road in a Toyota Camry with a passenger. Witnesses reported the Camry was swerving before it veered off the roadway and struck the UTV head‑on.
After the impact, Sepulveda-Rivera and his passenger fled the scene on foot but were apprehended a short distance away on Krause Road, according to investigators.
Officials say Chief Buck was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, where he later died as a result of his injuries. Assistant Chief Shick was transported to Reading Hospital, where he also succumbed to his injuries.
The District Attorney’s Office says Sepulveda‑Rivera is expected to be charged within 24 to 48 hours with two counts of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence.
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Autopsies for Chief Buck and Assistant Chief Shick are scheduled for Monday morning at the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office and Forensic Center.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.
The Walnuttown Fire Department Facebook page has more information on the accident.
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Officials say the accident happened Saturday just north of Route 662.