YORK COUNTY, Pa. — A Harrisburg man has been charged in connection to a deadly two-vehicle crash that occurred in York County in October 2022.
Jose Juan Rivera Jr., 34, was charged on September 30 with homicide by vehicle and driving under the influence of controlled substances following an investigation by Newberry Township Police.
Rivera was the operator of a vehicle that crashed on the 700 block of Old Trail Road, near Old York Road and Beinhower Road on the morning of October 4, 2022.
A passenger in his vehicle, 39-year-old Yahaira Montero of Harrisburg, died of injuries sustained in the crash, police said. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rivera, a second passenger in his vehicle, and the operator of the other vehicle were all transported to local hospitals for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash, according to police.
An investigation determined Rivera's red Toyota sedan, which was traveling south on the roadway, swerved into the opposite lane and struck a Jeep Wranger head-on.
A witness told police the Toyota was traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the crash. The witness said the Toyota passed him moments before the crash and was traveling at speeds in excess of 60 mph, police claim in charging documents.
Investigators noted the roadway was wet due to adverse weather, the posted speed limit was 35 mph, and the crash occurred in a no-passing zone.
Blood tests later determined Rivera had marijuana in his system at the time of the crash, according to the criminal complaint.
