A Pennsylvania man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and homicide by vehicle after authorities say he trapped a 20-year-old motorcyclist underneath his SUV during an illegal U-turn and dragged the victim for more than a mile before realizing what had happened, police said.
Derek Reid, 48, was driving an SUV east on Kelly Drive in Philadelphia around 11 p.m. on June 24 when he attempted to make an illegal U-turn onto Reservoir Drive, according to authorities. When he realized he could not complete the turn, Reid tried to reenter the roadway—and that is when prosecutors allege he struck Bryce Wolfe, who was riding a motorcycle on Kelly Drive at the same time.
Background
The collision trapped Wolfe beneath the SUV, and authorities say Reid continued driving with the young man underneath his vehicle for more than a mile. First responders eventually located the scene and transported Wolfe to an area hospital, where he died from his injuries the following morning.
"To know your child was under that car in pain, and you protected him his whole life, did everything you could, and you couldn't be there to help him," Clarence Wolfe, the victim's father, told WPVI-TV.
Wolfe was a student at Temple University. His obituary described him as "a young man with a bright future whose life was cut short, by a hit and run driver while enjoying a leisurely ride on his motorcycle."
"Though his time on earth was far too short, he filled those years with purpose, compassion, determination, and an unwavering commitment to helping others," the obituary read.
The Investigation
Reid was already wanted by the Philadelphia Police Department at the time of the crash on separate charges including rape, sexual assault, and corruption of a minor, according to the U.S. Marshals Service in Philadelphia. Authorities said he assaulted a minor in 2021. Marshals announced his arrest Thursday in the 7200 block of Briar Road in Philadelphia. He was reportedly in the area to mow lawns when apprehended.
The Charges
Court records reviewed by Law&Crime show Reid has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, accidents involving death or personal injury, homicide by vehicle, recklessly endangering another person, reckless driving, and careless driving in connection with Wolfe's death. He was arraigned on the motorcyclist charges early Friday morning following his arrest.
Key Takeaways
- Bryce Wolfe, 20, a Temple University student, died after being trapped under Derek Reid's SUV for more than a mile
- Authorities say Reid attempted an illegal U-turn and struck the victim while trying to reenter the roadway
- Reid was already wanted by Philadelphia police on rape, sexual assault, and corruption of a minor charges from 2021
- He was apprehended by U.S. Marshals in the city while reportedly mowing lawns
- A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 17