FLEETWOOD, Pa. – Governor Josh Shapiro has ordered state flags at all state facilities, public buildings, and grounds to fly at half-staff in honor of two firefighters killed in a tragic hit and run over the weekend.
As the community pays tribute to those firefighters, the man accused of driving the car that hit them went before a judge Monday.
Officials say the driver, Alexander Sepulveda Rivera, appeared virtually for his arraignment Monday. He is in the Berks County Jail facing a number of charges.
Walnuttown Fire Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Chief Rob Shick both died following a crash on Route 222 near the Route 662 roundabout in Richmond Township on Saturday night.
It happened while they were searching for a missing woman. They were in a UTV on the side of the road when authorities say a car driven by 26-year-old Sepulveda Rivera of New York swerved off the road and hit them head-on.
Alexander Sepulveda Rivera
Berks County Sheriff’s Office
“I believe this may have been a situation where he was under the influence of a combination of different drugs and alcohol, but we are awaiting the final toxicology reports,” said Berks County District Attorney John Adams.
According to court paperwork, evidence and witness statements indicated Sepulveda Rivera had been weaving back and forth before driving off the road and hitting the UTV. Authorities say he and a 46-year-old woman ran away, leaving the car after the crash. They were spotted walking not far from the crash scene.
Police say Sepulveda Rivera admitted to being the person who had been driving the vehicle. He also told investigators he fell asleep and the crash woke him up.
He allegedly admitted to smoking marijuana the day of the crash and said a crack pipe found in the car was his. Investigators say he did not have a driver’s license and there was a warrant for his arrest.
Sepulveda Rivera is charged with multiple offenses, including two counts of homicide by vehicle, reckless driving and failure to stay at the scene and render aid.
There will an update on the investigation at a scheduled Tuesday news conference with the Berks DA, Fleetwood Police and members of the Walnuttown Fire Company.