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After Fleeing Deadly Hit-Run, Driver Stole Dump Truck And Crashed Again: Bucks DA

A Croydon man is in police custody after prosecutors say he crashed a stolen dump truck while fleeing a deadly accident on Saturday, Feb. 24. 

Ford Road and Veterans Highway, Bristol Twp.; Bristol Twp PD. 

Ford Road and Veterans Highway, Bristol Twp.; Bristol Twp PD. 

Photo Credit: Google Maps (Satellite)/Inset: Bristol Twp. Police Dept.

The wreck happened just after 1:30 p.m. near the corner of Ford Road and Veterans Highway in Bristol Township, according to the Bucks County District Attorney's Office. 

A Nissan Sentra was turning left into the southbound lanes of the highway when it was struck by an oncoming Ford Explorer, authorities said. 

Two passengers in the Nissan, 33-year-old Rebecca Whiddon and 37-year-old Richard Whiddon, were pronounced dead at the scene, prosecutors said. Both were residents of Brooklyn, Connecticut. 

The driver and a third passenger were also hurt. 

The driver of the Ford, identified by authorities as John Thomas Wadlinger Jr., was allegedly seen fleeing the scene on foot. Police said he stole a dump truck parked on Old Rodgers Road but crashed again and was taken into custody. 

Wadlinger, 31, was taken to the Bucks County Correctional Facility and is being held without bail on a state parole violation, according to authorities. 

"The investigation is ongoing," the DA's Office said. "All applicable charges against him will be filed at the appropriate time."

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