Background: The intersection of Kelly Drive and Reservoir Drive in Philadelphia, Pa. (Google Maps). Inset left: Bryce W. Wolfe (Krapf & Hughes Funeral Home Inc.). Inset right: Derek Reid (U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia).
An SUV driver in Pennsylvania tried to make an illegal U-turn and ended up crashing into a motorcyclist, trapping the other man under his vehicle for more than a mile and killing him, authorities say.
Derek Reid, 48, faces charges including involuntary manslaughter, accidents involving death or personal injury, and homicide by vehicle in the death of 20-year-old Bryce Wolfe, court records reviewed by Law&Crime show. The defendant has also been charged with recklessly endangering another person, reckless driving, and careless driving.
On June 24 around 11 p.m., Reid was driving an SUV east on Kelly Drive in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, when he tried to make an illegal U-turn onto Reservoir Drive, local ABC affiliate WPVI reported. However, he apparently realized he couldn't make that turn and tried to reenter the roadway.
At the same time, Wolfe was riding a motorcycle on Kelly Drive. Reid allegedly drove into the path Wolfe was taking, causing a crash and trapping the younger man under the SUV.
Wolfe was under the SUV for more than a mile as Reid drove away, authorities say. The victim was reportedly taken to an area hospital and died 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 dad, told the TV station.
Reid was wanted by the Philadelphia Police Department at the time on charges of rape, sexual assault, and corruption of a minor, according to the U.S. Marshals Service in Philadelphia. The agency said he assaulted a minor in 2021.
Marshals announced his arrest on Thursday in the 7200 block of Briar Road in the city. He was apparently in the area to mow lawns.
In the involuntary manslaughter case, Reid was arraigned early Friday morning. He is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 17.
Wolfe was a student at Temple University, his obituary states. "He was 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."