A tragic accident in Berks County, Pennsylvania, has led to charges against Alexander Sepulveda-Rivera, a 26-year-old man from the Bronx, New York. He faces multiple charges, including DUI homicide, following a crash that killed two firefighters, Jeff Buck and Robert Shick, last Saturday (April 4).
According to authorities, Sepulveda-Rivera was driving on Route 222 when his vehicle swerved and collided with a UTV carrying the two firefighters. The firefighters, members of the Walnuttown Fire and Rescue, were returning from a search operation for a missing woman when the crash occurred. Witnesses reported that the vehicle was weaving through traffic before the collision, and both Sepulveda-Rivera and a passenger fled the scene on foot.
In a police interview, Sepulveda-Rivera admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that day and possessing a crack pipe. He also lacked a driver's license and had an outstanding warrant. Police found suspected marijuana in his vehicle. Sepulveda-Rivera is now facing 21 charges, including two counts of homicide by vehicle while DUI, two counts of involuntary manslaughter, and driving without a license.
The coroner's office confirmed that Buck and Shick died from blunt force injuries and ruled their deaths accidental. However, this classification does not prevent criminal charges. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the fallen firefighters until their interment.
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Sepulveda-Rivera remains in custody at Berks County Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings.