Thomas Winkis, a Philadelphia police sergeant, was charged with homicide in a fatal crash that left one man, David Farries, dead.
Winkis is charged with homicide by vehicle after he allegedly drove under the influence of alcohol, homicide by vehicle, DUI, involuntary manslaughter, and reckless endangerment, ABC-6 News reported.
Winkis was driving a silver Dodge Challenger when it hit a van on Saturday, Sept. 14. The driver of the van, Farries, died after sustaining injuries in the crash.
The criminal charges against the police sergeant, who will likely be fired, was announced by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office on Friday, reported FOX-29.
“The circumstances surrounding the accident were such that two of our rules were violated that could lead to dismissal,” police commissioner Charles Ramsey told the station.
However, Winkis’ attorney denied the charges.
“When we have our evaluation of the evidence, we’re confident Sgt. Winkis will be exonerated,” lawyer Fortunato Perri Jr. told FOX.
CBS Philly reported that Winkis was suspended after the deadly crash.
Earlier this week, the daughters of the victim told NBC they want to see Winkis arrested.
“If we never got a phone call from somebody, we probably wouldn’t have had the chance to say goodbye to our dad,” daughter Nicole Pirrone said. She said Winkis was going well above the speed limit.
Farries’ family and friends gathered for a candlelight vigil on Wednesday.
“It’s horrible that this guy isn’t in jail yet. He’s at home with his family sitting there on his couch having a normal life,” his other daughter, Christine Farries, told FOX.
FOX reported that Winkis will turn himself in on Tuesday.
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