Press Release: One Vehicle Crash / DUI / Homicide by Vehicle
On 08/10/2020 at approximately 0540 hrs. the North Coventry Township Police Department was dispatched to a reported one vehicle crash in the 1200 block of S. Hanover Street, North Coventry Township (SR 1037), Chester County. Upon arrival, Police observed a black Acura severely damaged and torn in two after striking a utility pole at a high rate of speed. Upon police arrival, the driver, Connor Quinn, 18, of Pottstown, was found to be pinned behind the steering wheel and had to be extricated by Fire Rescue. Passenger, Benjamin Bulich, 18, of Spring City, was found sitting by the rear section of the vehicle and another male, Louis Carbajal, 18, of Pottstown, was found lying on the ground and was unresponsive. Police administered first aid to Carbajal until relieved by Goodwill Ambulance Medics. Police received information that a third passenger, Daniel Benasutti, 18, of Pottstown, had left the scene and was taken to Pottstown Hospital Tower Health by a third party. The three occupants at the scene were transported to the Reading Hospital Trauma Center with serious injuries. Alcohol cans were observed in the Acura and Quinn admitted that he had been drinking alcohol.
Police obtained search warrants to inspect Acura and for all of the vehicle occupants' medical records as well as blood samples taken from Quinn for toxicology analysis.
On 08/17/2020 Police were advised by the Berks County Coroner's Office that Luis Carbajal died due to injuries sustained from the motor vehicle crash that occurred on 08/10/2020.
A review of the medical records indicated that all of the vehicle occupants, who are all under the age of 21, had consumed alcohol prior to the crash. On 09/24/2020 Police received the toxicology report in regards to Quinn's blood samples. Quinn was found to have a 0.176% BAC at the time of the blood draw.
On 08/10/2020, The Chester County Serious Crash Accident Team (SCAT), was requested to and did respond to the crash scene to assist with reconstruction. On scene investigation revealed that the Acura was traveling north on S. Hanover St. (SR 1037) at a high rate of speed. The driver failed to negotiate a left curve in the roadway and due to driver steering, put the vehicle into a counter clockwise yaw (slide). The Acura continued to yaw north / east traveling partially off of the east side of the roadway and then north / west across the northbound lane. Due to driver over correction of steering, put the vehicle into a clockwise yaw (slide). The Acura continued to travel north / west crossing over the southbound lane, off the west side of the roadway striking a utility pole #358 on the driver's side, just behind the B pillar on the rear passenger door. The Acura broke the utility pole at the base and the vehicle split in two, across the vehicle just behind the B pillar. The front of the Acura continued north / west through small trees and shrubs coming to rest facing north against a support wire of utility pole #356. The rear section of the Acura traveled north / east crossing over both lanes of S. Hanover St., coming to rest in the driveway of 1214 S. Hanover St. The driver's side rear seat passenger was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle as it split in two. Based on tire evidence found at the scene it can be determined that the Acura was traveling at a high rate of speed at the onset of the yaw marks.
On 11/4/20 the North Coventry Township Police obtained an arrest warrant for Connor Aidan Quinn, the driver. Quinn was charged of the following crimes: Homicide by Vehicle While DUI, Aggravated Assault by Vehicle While DUI, Homicide by Vehicle, Involuntary Manslaughter, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, DUI: Minor, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving-Unintentional Death, Careless Driving-Serious Bodily Injury, and Driving at Safe Speed.
On 11/5/20 Quinn surrendered himself to the North Coventry Township Police and was taken before District Justice Hipple at District Court 15-3-01 for arraignment. Bail was set at $100,000.00 unsecure with stipulations set by Judge Hipple. Passengers Daniel Benasutti and Benjamin Bulich were cited for Transportation of Liquor or malt or Brewed Beverage.
