Matthew M. Slauch, 23, of Robeson Township, Berks County, has been charged in connection with a fatal crash that occurred on June 6, 2024, at the intersection of Morgantown Road and Elverson Road in Caernarvon Township. The charges were filed by Detective Sergeant Chad Eberly of the Caernarvon Township Police Department on Monday, September 30, 2024.
The crash, which happened at approximately 8:02 a.m. on June 6, resulted in the death of 64-year-old Scott Wagner of Reinholds, PA. Responding officers found Wagner unresponsive at the scene, and he was later pronounced dead. Slauch, the driver of the second vehicle involved, was transported to Reading Hospital for treatment following the accident.
The investigation, conducted by Det. Sgt. Chad Eberly and Officer Kyle Tranovich, with assistance from the Berks County Coroner’s Office and the Pennsylvania State Police Accident Reconstruction Team, revealed that Slauch had been driving at excessive speeds at the time of the crash. Witnesses reported that Slauch had been illegally passing vehicles on Morgantown Road before the crash, and police determined that he was traveling at 76.26 mph in a 55 mph zone, with his speed at one point exceeding 100 mph.
Following the investigation and witness statements, multiple charges were approved by the Berks County District Attorney’s Office. Slauch turned himself in to the Berks County Sheriff’s Central Processing Center on Monday, where he was arraigned by Judge Michael Kaufman of District Court #23-3-01 in Birdsboro. His bail was set at $75,000, of which 10% was required, and he has since been released after posting bail.
Slauch now faces several charges, including: Homicide by Vehicle (Felony 3). Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury While Not Properly Licensed (Felony 3). Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Misdemeanor 2). Various summary traffic offenses, including reckless driving and driving with a suspended or revoked license.