JazzVibe

Mifflin County, PA (WJAC) — State police say a 71-year-old McVeytown man is behind bars for his role in a deadly construction zone crash last summer near the Huntingdon and Mifflin County line.

According to the affidavit, on the afternoon of July 11th, troopers were dispatched to the area of Route 22 and Route 522 for reports of a single-vehicle crash involving a pedestrian.

Investigators say a construction worker, later identified as 57-year-old Dwayne Grove, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say troopers then found the suspect vehicle, located approximately a half mile from the crash scene, parked at a Wayne Township residence.

Troopers say they then spoke with the driver of the vehicle, identified as Gary Sechrist, who reportedly told investigators that he was driving and had "swerved" to avoid colliding with stopped vehicles.

Police say Sechrist told troopers that he "knew he hit something but wasn't sure," and added that he did not remember driving through the construction zone.

Upon further investigation, troopers say Sechrist also admitted to using prescription Oxycodone, prior to the crash, because he was experiencing a "splitting headache."

Investigators say Sechrist's passenger further explained to troopers that he taken two Oxycodone pills before leaving his house that day, and then took another pill after the events of the crash.

Police say troopers then spoke to several witnesses, including multiple construction workers, who stated that Sechrist's vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, just prior to the crash.

Investigators say, according to the other workers, the crash reportedly occurred when Sechrist traveled into the "dead lane" where crews were working.

Police say the workers reportedly witnessed Sechrist's SUV strike multiple individuals, including the victim and a flagger.

Troopers say the flagger was injured in the crash as he attempted to "dive" out of the way of the SUV.

Another witness also reportedly told police that Sechrist was "driving like a lunatic."

Police say during a second interview with Sechrist, he again admitted to taking "lots of pills," including Oxycodone, for "chronic headaches."

Investigators noted that Sechrist's blood toxicology report also confirmed the presence of Oxycodone in his system.

According to online court records, Sechrist was arraigned this week on a variety of charges, including homicide by vehicle while DUI, accidents involving death or injury and involuntary manslaughter.

He is being jailed at the Mifflin County Jail on $100,000 bail.

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