A man arrested for allegedly raping a child has also been charged in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed a Temple University student earlier this summer along Kelly Drive.

The U.S. Marshals Service apprehended Derek Reid, 48, on Thursday, July 30, in West Oak Lane, based on an arrest warrant accusing him of sexually assaulting a boy five years ago.

While in custody, Reid admitted to authorities that he was behind the wheel of an SUV that struck a motorcyclist June 24 in North Philadelphia’s East Fairmount Park, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

The crash killed 20-year-old Bryce Wolfe, a Luzerne County native who was studying actuarial science at Temple. 

At around 11:15 p.m. on the night of the collision, Reid was heading east on Kelly Drive when he tried to make an illegal turn onto Reservoir Drive; realizing the error, he made a U-turn and hit Wolfe’s motorcycle, police said.

Wolfe was dragged under the SUV for about a mile, according to investigators. Medics found him in the area of Fountain Green Drive, and he died early the next morning.

Detectives located the suspect’s vehicle, a Chevrolet Trailblazer, July 9 in Feltonville, two days after the PPD distributed photographs of the SUV in an attempt to generate tips in the case.

Law enforcement officials have not released much information about the alleged sexual assault. The Marshals Service said PPD’s Special Victims Unit issued a warrant for Reid’s arrest in April, in relation to a rape that occurred in 2021.

“The devastation Defendant Derek Reid inflicted on these two families is horrific,” DA Larry Krasner said in a statement Friday. “No one deserves to have their son taken away in such a careless way.

“We will pursue these charges to the fullest extent of the law. This office also has zero tolerance for predators who brutalize the vulnerable, to include our children and young people.”

The public defender’s association, which is representing Reid, did not respond to a request for comment Monday. He is facing charges that include rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault, involuntary manslaughter, accidents involving death and homicide by vehicle across two separate cases.

Reid’s bail has been set at a combined $1.5 million, of which he must post 10% to be released, according to court records.

MORE: Police seek vandal who damaged 16 cars on Logan block

Keywords

Philadelphia crime,

Kelly Drive,

hit-and-run,

Bryce Wolfe,

Temple University,

Derek Reid,

Philadelphia Police,

Larry Krasner,

U.S. Marshals Service,

East Fairmount Park