RICHMOND TWP., Pa. – The man charged in a crash that killed two volunteer firefighters in Berks County is having his day in court Tuesday.
He’s expected to go before a judge for his preliminary hearing.
It’s a tragedy that shocked the community and impacted departments across the country. Now families, friends, and fellow firefighters are hoping for justice ahead of this case.
Authorities say Alexander Sepulveda Rivera drove recklessly on Route 222 in Richmond Township before he struck and killed Walnuttown Fire Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Chief Rob Shick as they were in an off-road vehicle helping search for a missing woman.
Authorities say he had a 46-year-old woman in the car, and they both fled the scene but were found nearby.
Police say Rivera told them he fell asleep and the crash woke him.
He allegedly said he smoked marijuana the day of the incident and police said they found a crack pipe found in the car that Rivera claimed was his.
Police say he also was driving without a license and had an outstanding warrant.
This hearing comes days after a well-attended joint funeral and memorial service for the fallen firefighters and a fundraiser to help their families.