LIMERICK, P.A. (KYW Newsradio) — A Roxborough man is charged in connection with a deadly crash on Route 422 in Montgomery County that Pennsylvania State Police initially said was a road rage incident.
Andrew Hilferty, 35, from the 6700 block of Ridge Avenue is charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence for a June 29 crash on Route 422 in Limerick that killed 36-year-old Ryan Reyes from Bridgeport, New Jersey.
Investigators said Reyes was killed after Hilferty’s sedan bumped his SUV from behind, causing him to go off the highway, spinning, then slamming into a tree on the driver’s side.
State Police initially said the crash was caused when Reyes cut in front of Hilferty and “brake-checked” him. That initial determination was made based on statements Hilferty made to state troopers after the crash.
According to a criminal complaint, investigators found no evidence of sudden braking. The complaint said sudden data from Hilferty’s car showed he was going 98 miles per hour seconds before the crash, and blood tests show his blood alcohol level was .11, above the legal limit of .08.
Hilferty is free on a $50,000 unsecured bail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept. 22.