PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A North Wales man is facing criminal charges for a car crash in Collegeville that killed his longtime girlfriend.
Investigators say 62-year-old John Rufe was legally drunk and speeding when he lost control and spun into oncoming traffic on Main Street in Collegeville, around 9 p.m. on Nov. 6.
Margaret Berman, 57, was in the front passenger seat of his car and was killed in the crash.
According to court documents, witnesses told police they heard Rufe’s Ford Mustang “peel out” of the parking lot of Chow Bistro. The Mustang spun counterclockwise and a Range Rover coming from the other direction hit the car on the passenger side.
Crash data shows that 1.5 seconds before the crash, the car was traveling at about 55 mph, and no brakes were applied. The speed limit was 30 mph.
Even further, investigators found through the car’s computer system that the traction-assist was turned off. They said it could have prevented the spin. They also said there is a button to manually turn off traction-assist, but it needs to be pressed every time the car is turned on.
Prosecutors say Rufe’s blood-alcohol level was .13% — well above the legal limit of .08%.
Rufe is charged with homicide by vehicle while under the influence, DUI, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, and other related offenses.
Rufe’s attorney declined to comment.