Crime & Safety
Man, 21, Was Drunk And High When He Flipped Car In Fatal Wreck: DA
Robert Hoffman, 21, was under the influence of marijuana, Clonazepam and alcohol at the time of the Schuylkill Canal Park accident, DA says.
UPPER PROVIDENCE, PA -- A Collegeville man who authorities say was drunk and high on drugs has been charged with homicide by vehicle in connection with a double-fatal October crash at the Schuylkill Canal Park
Robert Bruce Hoffman, 21, was behind the wheel late in the night of Oct. 4 when he parked in a pull off area across Tow Path Road from the canal.
When they were ready to leave, Hoffman backed the car up, but it flipped over the edge of the embankment, causing the car to land in the canal upside down in about four feet of water, the Montgomery County District’s Attorney’s office said.
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His passengers, Clinton Berger, 29, and Lauren Maragal, 25, were unable to get out of the car and both drowned.
Hoffman was under the influence of marijuana, Clonazepam, and alcohol while he was behind the wheel, the DA said.
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The charges were announced Tuesday.
Hoffman’s bail was set at $10,000. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 4.
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