Colin John Wahlers is facing two homicide by vehicle charges in the death of Joseph Kay who was a passenger in Wahlers’ off-road vehicle that crashed in Hilltown June 2.
On Friday, authorities said the 25-year-old Perkasie man was driving drunk and speeding when his Polaris vehicle flipped over at Green Street and Rickert Road, as he fled from police.
Both men were partially ejected from the vehicle. Kay, 35, died at scene. An initial report indicated that the driver, who police have now identified as Wahlers, refused medical treatment at the scene.
Wahlers was arraigned before District Judge Regina Armitage and later released on $75,000 bail. He is facing misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter and other related misdemeanor and summary traffic offenses in the fatal accident.
The arrest came on the two-month anniversary of the deadly crash, which occurred on Kay’s wife’s 30th birthday.
Kay, a 2007 graduate of Central Bucks East High School, was a volunteer firefighter and an avid sprint car racer. He and Wahlers were close friends, according to those who knew the two men.
Kay was a former Plumsteadville firefighter. In the aftermath of the crash, the Plumsteadville Fire Company wrote on Facebook, “It is with a heavy heart that the members of PVFC are sad to say that we have lost a friend and brother yesterday evening. Joe Kay will be forever missed; gone too soon, brother. Your firehouse family will always keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.”
Wahlers is being represented by attorney Louis Busico.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
