A Berks County man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he struck and killed two volunteer firefighters while driving under the influence during an emergency response over the weekend.
Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams announced Tuesday that Alexander Sepulveda Rivera has been charged in connection with the deaths of Walnuttown Fire Company Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Chief Robert R. Shick Jr.
The fatal crash occurred Saturday evening along Route 222 in the Fleetwood area, as first responders were searching for a missing 60-year-old woman.
According to Adams, Buck and Shick were inside a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) moving slowly on the shoulder of the southbound side of Route 222 when Rivera, driving a Toyota Camry, veered out of his lane and onto the shoulder, striking the UTV head-on.
Witnesses reported that Rivera’s vehicle had been weaving prior to the crash. After the collision, Rivera and a passenger fled the scene on foot but were quickly located by police on a nearby road and taken into custody.
Adams said Rivera admitted to driving the vehicle and told investigators he had fallen asleep at the wheel. He also admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that day and was found in possession of a crack pipe, which he said belonged to him.
Authorities said Rivera did not have a valid driver’s license and may have never been licensed. Toxicology results are pending.
Rivera has been charged with two counts of homicide by vehicle while DUI, two counts of homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, DUI, reckless driving, and multiple additional offenses related to the crash and fleeing the scene.
He was arraigned Monday, and bail was set at $500,000. He also remains in custody on separate pending cases, including one in which bail was revoked.
“This was a tragic, fatal, horrific accident,” Adams said. “Two first responders lost their life in the line of duty caused by an individual who never had a driver’s license, who had no respect for the law.”
Both Buck and Shick were pronounced dead shortly after the crash, one at Lehigh Valley Hospital and the other at Reading Hospital.
Officials said the firefighters were among numerous agencies assisting in the search for a missing woman at the time of the incident.
Fleetwood Police Chief Dale Alsafer said the loss has deeply impacted the emergency services community.
“These heroes not only served their community for many years, but they were also fathers, husbands, mentors, and friends,” Alsafer said. “Their unwavering commitment to the community they served never went unnoticed, and they will never be forgotten.”
Lieutenant Brian Tyson of the Walnuttown Fire Company described both men as mentors who dedicated themselves to helping others.
“It didn’t matter what kind of call it was,” Tyson said. “When we get dispatched, we go out with the same purpose and goal every time, and that’s to assist the people that are in need.”
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as they await toxicology results and continue efforts to locate the registered owner of the vehicle Rivera was driving to determine whether he had permission to use it.
Police are also asking anyone who witnessed the crash and has not yet come forward to contact the Fleetwood Police Department.