'This community is grieving': Driver charged with DUI, homicide after crash kills 2 Pa. firefighters

A 26-year-old New York man is facing homicide by vehicle, DUI and other charges after authorities say a crash killed two Berks County firefighters on Saturday. Video above: Full news conference with Berks County District Attorney. According to Fleetwood Police, Walnuttown Fire Company Fire Chief Jeffory Buck, 60, and Assistant Fire Chief Robert Shick Jr., 56, were riding in a UTV on the shoulder of Kutztown Road/Route 222 near Krause Road just before 6 p.m. when they were struck by a Toyota Camry head-on.Crash 'woke up' driver, court docs sayCourt documents say the Camry crashed into a pole after the collision, and witnesses reported that the driver and passenger got out and fled on foot.Police arrested the passenger and the driver, Alexander Sepulveda Rivera, 26, of the Bronx, after witnesses reported seeing them walking along the road after the crash. "He was weaving back and forth on the roadway, and we have a number of witnesses who watched this vehicle," said Berks County District Attorney John Adams. "He said he fell asleep, and he admitted he had smoked marijuana the same day." Sepulveda Rivera told investigators that the crash woke him up and that he also had a crack pipe in his possession, according to authorities. Adams said Sepulveda Rivera did not have a valid license and also had an active warrant for his arrest. "Responding police believe the defendant was under the influence of a controlled substance and that he was incapable of safe driving," said Adams. Police said they are awaiting the results of a toxicology test and the final crash reconstruction report. Both firefighters killedVolunteer firefighters Buck and Shick were taken to hospitals, where both later died from blunt force injuries. The coroner ruled their deaths accidental."This community is grieving. The fire company is grieving, losing two leaders of this fire company by a tragic criminal motor vehicle accident is very difficult," said Berks County District Attorney John Adams. "And these individuals were volunteers. They gave their time to benefit others." Fleetwood Police Chief Dale Schaefer also spoke during Tuesday's press conference, saying, "These heroes not only served their community for many years, but they're also fathers, husbands, mentors and friends. Their unwavering commitment to the community they served never went unnoticed and they will never be forgotten." Gov. Josh Shapiro has ordered flags across Pennsylvania to fly at half-staff in honor of the fallen firefighters.ChargedSepulveda Rivera now faces multiple charges, including two counts each of homicide by vehicle while DUI, homicide by vehicle and accidents involving death. The district attorney said they are still looking for the owner of the striking vehicle. The incident remains under ongoing investigation.