Homicide By Vehicle Charges Filed In Route 422 Road Rage Crash: Police
LIMERICK, PA — The surviving driver in a fatal road rage crash on Route 422 earlier this summer was drunk during the incident and has been charged with homicide by vehicle, according to court documents and police.
Andrew Ryne Hilferty, 35, of Philadelphia, faces an array of additional counts filed Monday, including driving under the influence, reckless endangerment, and more.
The incident occurred back on June 29 at around 5:30 p.m. near Route 422's 177.2 mile marker, in Limerick Township.
The road rage began several miles before crash scene earlier on 422 between a black Volvo SUV and a Chevrolet Cruze, officials said. The driver of the Cruze, now identified as Hilferty, had a blood alcohol content between .10 and .16, authorities said.
While details of the entire incident remain murky, Hilferty's additional charges include "follow too closely" and "driving at a safe speed," along with DUI and homicide by vehicle.
At some point the Volvo driver swung into the right lane and brake checked Hilferty, and he slammed into the back of the Volvo, according to state police.
Due to the collision, the Volvo lost control and drove off the side of the road, crashing into a tree, officials said.
EMS first responders and firefighters found the driver of the Volvo stuck inside when they arrived, and they had to extricate him. He was taken to Pottstown Hospital with severe injuries, and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Hilferty was arrested at the scene and charged with DUI. The ensuing investigation led to the new charges announced Monday.
Hilferty is currently awaiting a preliminary hearing.
