RICHMOND TOWNSHIP, Berks County | April 7, 2026
The man accused of killing two Walnuttown Fire Company officers in a deadly DUI crash has been formally charged with 21 counts stemming from the April 4th tragedy, according to court docket records filed with Magisterial District Judge 23-3-04.
Fire Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Fire Chief Robert R. Shick Jr., both of Maidencreek Township, were killed in a head-on collision at approximately 5:57 p.m. Saturday evening while actively serving in the line of duty — assisting in the search for a missing 60-year-old woman in the area of Kutztown Road in Richmond Township, Berks County.
According to investigators, the Toyota Camry allegedly driven by Alexander Sepulveda-Rivera, 26, of the Bronx, New York, was observed weaving back and forth on Route 222 before the vehicle left its lane, crossed onto the shoulder, and struck the firefighters’ UTV head-on. Both Chief Buck and Assistant Chief Shick remained inside the overturned UTV when first responders arrived on scene.
CHARGES FILED — Docket No. MJ-23304-CR-0000056-2026
Sepulveda-Rivera faces the following charges, all carrying an offense date of April 4, 2026:
- Two counts — Homicide by Vehicle While DUI (Felony 2)
- Two counts — Homicide by Vehicle (Felony 3)
- Two counts — Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury (Felony 2)
- Two counts — Accidents Involving Death or Injury While Not Licensed (Felony 3)
- One count — DUI: General Impairment, 1st Offense (Misdemeanor 2)
- One count — Driving Without a License (Summary)
- One count — Disregard of Traffic Lane (Summary)
- One count — Reckless Driving (Summary)
- Two counts — Involuntary Manslaughter (Misdemeanor 1)
- Two counts — Careless Driving – Unintentional Death (Summary)
- One count — Driving at Safe Speed (Summary)
- Two counts — Failure to Notify Police of Accident Involving Injury or Death (Summary)
- Two counts — Failure to Stop and Render Aid (Summary)
INVESTIGATION DETAILS
Investigators say Sepulveda-Rivera admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that day and had a crack pipe in his possession at the time of the crash. Authorities further determined he was operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s license and had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
Following the collision, Sepulveda-Rivera and a passenger fled the scene on foot. Law enforcement quickly launched a search of the surrounding area and apprehended both individuals a short distance away on Krause Road.
Bail was set at $500,000. Sepulveda-Rivera is currently being held at Berks County Prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 14, 2026.
THE FALLEN
Chief Buck was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, where he was pronounced dead at 8:07 p.m. Assistant Chief Shick was transported to Reading Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at 6:50 p.m. Autopsies conducted by the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office confirmed both men died as a result of blunt force injuries.
Both officers had dedicated their lives to the Walnuttown Fire Company, having joined the department as teenagers. They are survived by their families.
COMMUNITY RESPONSE
In the wake of the tragedy, 28 fire companies from across the region offered mutual aid support, with assistance reaching as far as Lehigh and Northampton counties. The Walnuttown Fire Company was placed out of service through April 11, 2026, in honor of the fallen chiefs.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro ordered flags at all Commonwealth facilities and public buildings across the state to be flown at half-staff in their memory.
Berks County District Attorney John Adams addressed the community, stating that justice would be pursued for the two volunteer firefighters who lost their lives in service to others.
This is a developing story. Additional updates will be provided following the April 14 preliminary hearing. Arresting Officer: Focht, Thomas M. — Fleetwood Police Department.
