Retired state trooper charged after crash that killed two in Clearfield County

CLEARFIELD COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) -- A retired Pennsylvania state trooper is facing multiple felony charges, including homicide by vehicle, after a multi-vehicle crash that killed two people Thursday night. Thomas Edward Reed, 55, is accused of being under the influence of alcohol at the time, police say, as he set off a chain reaction when he crashed into a minivan along Route 879 in Pike Township. According to a criminal complaint, state troopers were called to the scene of the crash around 10:13 p.m. Thursday with reports of two drivers dead and another suffering from serious injuries. A white pickup truck towing a boat was reported to be involved in the crash, with troopers noting Reed was the driver of that vehicle. Reed allegedly told troopers that he had been driving back from a fishing tournament and that all he could remember was his truck's airbag deploying and was not sure if someone had come into his lane. Police note in the affidavit that at that time they did not detect an odor of alcohol on Reed. As investigators examined the scene, it was determined that Reed's truck allegedly crossed the center line and crashed into the minivan, as car fluids and debris were found in the westbound lane of the roadway. Police report that they also found an alcoholic beverage on the front floorboard of Reed's truck, the affidavit said. Troopers identified the crash victims as Judith Jordan, who was the driver of the minivan, and Frederick Cline, the motorcycle operator. The passenger in Jordan's vehicle was taken by helicopter to Penn Highlands DuBois for treatment of their injuries. Investigators report that Cline couldn't avoid the initial collision between Reed's truck and the minivan and subsequently crashed. Court documents show police questioned Reed following a visit to his home, despite him initially telling troopers he would go to the hospital, with him alleging he had only "one or two" drinks at a Curwensville lake before driving. Reed is now facing those homicide by vehicle charges, along with aggravated assault, involuntary manslaughter, third-degree murder, and others. Bail has been denied due to the severity of the crimes. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 29.