Photo by James Short.
A Philadelphia man has been charged with homicide by vehicle while DUI in connection with a fatal crash that occurred on Skippack Pike near the intersection with Butler Pike.
The two-vehicle crash occurred just before 6 p.m. on May 4 and involved a 2009 Toyota Corolla and a 2000 Buick LeSabre. One occupant was described as trapped in their vehicle and suffering from cardiac arrest, and they were later rescued by first responders and transported to an area hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
Two others were hospitalized as a result of the crash, according to Whitemarsh Township Police Chief Christopher Ward.
Skippack Pike was closed between Sheaff Lane and Butler Pike for a prolonged period as crews worked to process the scene. The road reopened at approximately 10 p.m., police said.
Whitemarsh Police were assisted at the scene by units from Whitemarsh Ambulance, Ambler Ambulance, Second Alarmer’s, Flourtown Fire Company, Centre Square Fire Company, Spring Mill Fire Company, Whitpain Township Police, and other area agencies.
By James Short Court records show that on May 16, more than two dozen charges were filed against the driver of the striking vehicle — identified as 27-year-old Jabrial Terry — including felony counts of homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while DUI, aggravated assault by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance, and accidents involving death or injury while not licensed.
Additional charges include misdemeanor counts of DUI, fraudulent title/registration/insurance, and reckless endangerment, along with summary counts of reckless driving, careless driving, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving without insurance, driving without inspection, driving without seatbelts and illegal tint.
The docket lists the case status as “inactive,” meaning the charges have been filed but Terry has not yet been taken into custody or arraigned. Chief Ward told Wissahickon Now that Whitemarsh Police attempted to serve an arrest warrant for Terry at several known addresses, however they were unsuccessful.
Anyone with information regarding Terry’s whereabouts is asked to contact Whitemarsh Police at 610-825-6530.
Additional details regarding the cause of the crash, the identity of the deceased, and the allegations against Terry are currently unavailable, as the criminal complaint only becomes publicly available once the suspect has been arraigned on the charges.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
