Berks teen charged in crash that killed passenger, injured another

An 18-year-old Spring Township man has been charged in a two-vehicle crash that killed a teen passenger and seriously injured another teen passenger on Route 61 in Tilden Township in September.

Isaac Orsag of the 2100 block of Buckman Avenue is charged in the Sept. 17 crash with homicide by vehicle while DUI, aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, recklessly endangering another person and related counts.

A 17-year-old boy from Fleetwood died Sept. 20 of head injuries suffered in the crash, officials said.

Orsag and the other passenger, a 17-year-old boy from Reading, suffered serious injuries, officials said.

District Attorney John T. Adams said state police arrested Orsag on Thursday afternoon.

Online records indicate Orsag was committed to Berks County Jail in lieu of $75,000 bail following arraignment Thursday before District Judge Kim L. Bagenstose

Orsag was driving about 75 mph in a 55-mph zone when his car struck the rear of an 18-wheeler, according to a release from the DA’s office.

While at the scene, state police detected an odor of alcohol coming from Orsag’s vehicle and saw an alcoholic beverage can inside, according to the release.

Subsequent tests revealed Orsag was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the crash, according to the release. Investigators said he had a blood-alcohol content of 0.112% to 0.113%.

According to the probable cause affidavit:

Troopers were dispatched Sept. 17 at 10:16 p.m. to Route 61 and Interstate 78 for a two-vehicle crash.

Troopers saw a car blocking the southbound lane of Route 61 at the top of the east/west on/off ramp to the interstate.

Orsag was identified as the driver, and he and the two passengers — whose names were not provided — were freed from the wreckage.

Troopers saw the alcoholic beverage can on the front passenger floor and Orsag could be heard repeatedly saying that he was “sorry” while being treated by EMS personnel.

Troopers removed a handbag that was slung across one of the passengers and a small plastic bag containing suspected marijuana and other items.

Troopers determined Orsag was southbound on Route 61, approaching the on-ramp for the westbound interstate.

The truck driver was trying to turn left from Route 61 onto the interstate via the ramp and was struck on the passenger side trailer.

The truck driver, Derrick Gardener, 37, of Allentown, told troopers that he saw the southbound car’s headlights and believed he had enough time to turn onto the ramp. He said he looked northbound and saw the car traveling at a high speed and believed the driver had “gunned it” for some unknown reason.

Gardener was evaluated at the scene by emergency medical personnel but declined to be taken to a hospital.

A witness told troopers that Orsag’s car pulled up next to her at a red light at Cabella Drive and Route 61. When the light changed to green, she said the car “sped off at a high rate of speed.” As she approached the ramp, she saw the truck had begun to turn and Orsag’s car “just flew into the side of the trailer.” She said she did not see the car’s brake lights illuminated.

Investigators said the passenger who died was in the left rear seat and suffered traumatic head and face injuries.

On Sept. 24, troopers spoke to Orsag on the phone. He said he had picked up one of the passengers in Muhlenberg Township, then they picked up their friend in Hamburg about 10 p.m.

He said they planned to hang out before he would take the others home. He said he saw the truck starting to turn and didn’t think “the truck was going to keep going and that he thought the truck was going to stop.”

He said he “slammed on his brakes” but couldn’t avoid the collision. He estimated his speed at 50 to 55 mph, saying, “I know I wasn’t going that fast…there was no way I was insanely fast.”

Adams said Orsag also has two pending DUI cases, one in juvenile court and another in adult court.

“This is a tragic situation, and what also contributes to this tragedy is this individual is a danger to the community based on his behavior while driving,” Adams said. “He is a clear and present danger, especially on the roadways of our county.”

Source: Berkshire mont