HAMILTON TWP., MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The truck driver involved in a Monroe County crash that killed three people last year is facing homicide charges.
The five-car crash happened in March 2023 when a tractor-trailer crossed the median on Route 33 in Hamilton Township and hit oncoming traffic.
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State police stand-off in Monroe County ends with arrest
According to Monroe County District Attorney's Office, the truck driver, Mark Rideout, 36, of Philadelphia, has been arrested and charged with three counts of homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence, and other related offenses.
Samantha Crich, 40, of Wilkes-Barre, a 14-year-old passenger in her car, and Bryan Franco, 25, of Hellertown, were killed in the crash.
While on the scene of the crash, Rideout denied using any alcohol or drugs but police said he appeared confused and was not able to keep his balance. Rideout failed a field sobriety test and he was arrested for DUI.
A toxicology report was done and the results showed Rideout had Delta-9 Carboxy THC and Delta-9 THC, which is an active ingredient in marijuana, in his system, as stated in the affidavit.
Investigators stated Rideout was driving between 70-79 mph and there were no roadway defects presented that would cause him to have vehicle issues before the crash.