UAT20250100649
The Upper Allen Police Department is providing an update on the wrong-way crash that occurred on US Route 15 on January 17, 2025. This incident originated in Lower Allen Township and ended in a multi-vehicle crash in Upper Allen Township.
We can confirm that there were no fatalities as a result of this crash. A total of twelve individuals were involved in this incident, with six people sustaining injuries, including the 29-year-old suspect driver. The ages of those injured range from 6 to 73 years old. We wish them all a speedy recovery.
The incident began at the Capital City Car Wash in Lower Allen Township, where the suspect driver was involved in an altercation and struck a 2011 Nissan Rogue with three occupants – a 37-year-old driver and two children (ages 4 and 2) – before fleeing the scene. The suspect then entered US Route 15 traveling southbound in the northbound lanes and sideswiped a 2020 Volkswagen Jetta driven by a 17-year-old. The suspect vehicle continued southbound, causing several near misses and collisions with other vehicles before the final crash in Upper Allen Township. In total, the incident involved seven vehicles across both municipalities.
In Upper Allen Township, the suspect vehicle struck a tractor-trailer combination driven by a 54-year-old, a 2024 Toyota Tundra driven by a 34-year-old, and a 2024 Toyota RAV4 driven by a 25-year-old. The suspect vehicle also struck a 2023 Toyota RAV4 occupied by a 73-year-old driver and two children (ages 9 and 6). A 26-year-old EMS worker who was punched in the face by the suspect during the rescue efforts sustained a bloody nose and facial bruising.
We are aware of rumors circulating that the driver was an off-duty police officer. This is categorically false. The individual involved has no affiliation with any law enforcement agency. Similarly, we can confirm that this incident was not related to any police pursuit.
The Upper Allen Police Department is committed to conducting a thorough and comprehensive investigation into this incident. We are working with the Pennsylvania State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Specialist (CARS) team to analyze all available evidence. This is a complex investigation that involves accident reconstruction, witness interviews, and examination of physical evidence. It will take time to compile all the necessary information and establish a clear understanding of all contributing factors.
We understand that there is public interest in the identities of those involved. However, it is the policy of the Upper Allen Police Department to not release the names of individuals involved in incidents until the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office has reviewed the case and made a charging decision. This is done to protect the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of those involved.
Upon completion of the investigation, the findings will be forwarded to the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office for review. The District Attorney will then determine what charges are appropriate.
We understand and appreciate the public’s interest in this matter. We are committed to transparency and will provide further updates as they become available. We hope to have the investigation completed soon but will provide another update in 4 weeks, if not sooner. However, due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, we are unable to provide specific details at this time.
