Robeson Township man charged in fatal crash in Caernarvon Township

Matthew M. Slauch, 23, of Robeson Township, Berks County, has been charged in connection with a fatal accident that occurred on June 6, 2024, at the intersection of Morgantown Road and Elverson Road in Caernarvon Township. The charges were filed on Monday, September 30, 2024 by Detective Sergeant Chad Eberly of the Caernarvon Township Police Department.

The accident, which occurred at approximately 8:02 a.m. on June 6, resulted in the death of 64-year-old Scott Wagner of Reinholds, PA. Responding officers found Wagner unresponsive at the scene and he was later pronounced dead. Slauch, the driver of the second vehicle involved, was taken to Reading Hospital for treatment following the accident.

The investigation conducted by Det. Sergeant. Chad Eberly and Officer Kyle Tranovich, with assistance from the Berks County Coroner's Office and the Pennsylvania State Police Accident Reconstruction Team, revealed that Slauch was driving at an excessive speed at the time of the accident. Witnesses reported that Slauch had been illegally passing vehicles on Morgantown Road before the accident, and police noted that he was traveling at 76.26 mph in a 55 mph zone, with his speed exceeding 100 mph at one point per hour exceeded.

Following the investigation and testimony, several charges were approved by the Berks County District Attorney's Office. Slauch surrendered to the Berks County Sheriff's Office Central Processing Center on Monday, where he was arraigned by Judge Michael Kaufman of District Court No. 23-3-01 in Birdsboro. His bail was set at $75,000, 10% required, and he has since been released after posting bond.

Slauch now faces multiple charges including: Homicide by Vehicle (Felony 3). Accidents resulting in death or personal injury without proper license (Crime 3). Recklessly endangering another person (Misdemeanor No. 2). Various summary traffic offenses including reckless driving and driving with a suspended or revoked license.