Harrisburg, PA : Homicide by vehicle trial ordered in fatal drunken driving crash in Donegal Township on Wednesday, 24th August, 2016

A 25-year-old Virginia man was ordered Wednesday to stand trial on multiple criminal counts including homicide by vehicle while driving drunk in connection with a crash a year ago in Donegal Township that killed his friend.

Ligonier District Judge Denise Snyder Thiel ruled sufficient evidence was presented in a preliminary hearing for Erik C. Anderson of Stafford to stand trial in Common Pleas Court.

Killed in the crash along County Line Road was Robert P. Ballance, 23, also of Stafford, Va., state police said.

Anderson remains free on $50,000 unsecured bond.

Anderson told troopers he and Ballance were traveling from Seven Springs Mountain Resort to Hidden Valley Resort when he swerved to miss what he believed was an animal on the road, state police said.

Anderson lost control of his 2006 Mazda 6 at the crest of a hill and veered into the opposite lane, then struck trees and an embankment, police said. The car came to rest on its roof.

Ballance was thrown from the car and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A state police reconstruction of the crash indicated the car was traveling about 91 mph — 51 miles over the posted speed limit, according to court documents.

Anderson was flown by medical helicopter to UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh for treatment. Police reported his blood-alcohol content was 0.17 percent. The legal limit to drive in Pennsylvania is 0.08 percent.

He is charged with homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, driving at an unsafe speed and exceeding the maximum speed limit.

Source :
Homicide by vehicle trial ordered in fatal drunken driving crash in Donegal Township