Berks County District Attorney John Adams announced Tuesday that criminal charges have been filed against a New York man in connection with a fatal collision that killed two volunteer firefighters. The announcement follows a weekend crash that devastated the Walnuttown Fire Company during a local search operation.
The victims were identified as Fire Chief Jeffory Buck and Assistant Fire Chief Robert Shick Jr. Both men were high-ranking leaders within their volunteer department and were well-known for their long-standing dedication to public safety in the Fleetwood area.
The tragedy unfolded Saturday evening on Route 222 in Richmond Township. Buck and Shick were operating a side-by-side utility vehicle on the shoulder of the road while assisting in a search for a missing 60-year-old woman.
According to investigators, a Toyota Camry driven by 26-year-old Alexander Sepulveda-Rivera crossed into the oncoming lane and struck the firefighters' vehicle head-on. Witnesses reported seeing the sedan swerving erratically through traffic for several miles prior to the impact.
Following the collision, Sepulveda-Rivera and a passenger reportedly fled the scene on foot. Law enforcement officers later apprehended the suspect on nearby Krause Road. He was found to be driving without a valid license.
In a police interview, Sepulveda-Rivera allegedly admitted to using marijuana earlier on the day of the crash. Court documents state he also claimed ownership of a crack pipe discovered by investigators inside the abandoned vehicle.
Sepulveda-Rivera now faces 21 counts, including homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence and involuntary manslaughter. Authorities noted that he was also the subject of an active arrest warrant at the time of the incident.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has ordered all state-owned property flags to fly at half-staff to honor the fallen chiefs. Local emergency departments have expressed overwhelming support for the Walnuttown company during this period of mourning.
Sepulveda-Rivera is currently being held at the Berks County Jail after being unable to post $500,000 bail. A formal arraignment is pending as the community prepares for the memorial services of the two first responders.
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Published: Apr 7, 2026. Last updated: Apr 7, 2026.
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