A Lancaster driver was drunk when he caused a high-speed crash last year in Drumore Township that killed an Oxford man, according to police.
Adgery Negron-Alvarado, 25, is charged with counts of vehicular homicide while DUI, causing a crash while not licensed, DUI, and related offenses for the Nov. 15 crash on Lancaster Pike (Route 272), near Allison Circle.
District Judge Stuart Mylin on Tuesday ordered that Negron-Alvarado face the charges in Lancaster County Court, following a waiver of a preliminary hearing.
Richard D. Owen, 79, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 4:20 p.m. crash.
State police determined Negron-Alvarado was driving over 90 mph when his Suzuki veered into Owen’s Kia.
Negron-Alvarado, headed north, was negotiating a left curve when his vehicle swerved onto the berm. As Negron-Alvarado tried to steer back onto the road, the vehicle slid into the southbound lane. Owen’s Kia and the Suzuki collided nearly head-on.
A motorist traveling behind Owen’s Kia gave that version of events to police, telling investigators he thought his vehicle was going to be struck.
When police spoke with Negron-Alvarado, there were signs of impairment, including glassy eyes and the smell of alcohol.
Testing determined he had a blood-alcohol level of .10 percent shortly after the crash. The state’s legal limit for drivers is .08 percent.
Also, he was driving on a suspended license.
Police determined Negron-Alvarado was driving between 91 and 95 mph, in a 55 mph zone, at the time of impact with Owen’s Kia.
By waiving the preliminary hearing, Negron-Alvarado doesn’t admit guilt, but concedes there is evidence to support charges. He is presumed innocent.
If convicted, the homicide by vehicle while DUI charge carries a mandatory minimum 3-year prison sentence.
State Police Trooper James Trunfio filed charges.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright