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Michael Petrocik, 71, of Glenside, was charged with homicide by vehicle while DUI, DUI, reckless driving, and other offenses in the December killing of 61-year-old Mary T. Duffy, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele, and Lower Moreland Township Police Chief David J. Scirrotto said on Jan. 28.
Duffy was walking her dog along the 3000 block of Philmont Avenue in Huntingdon Valley when an Audi 6, driven by Petrocik, failed to turn properly and left the road, crossing a berm and a grass area, where the car then struck Duffy and knocked her into a pole around 12:12 p.m. on Dec. 29, authorities said.
The Audi continued across an asphalt driveway and a yard before crashing into a stone wall and flying into the air before coming to a final stop, Steele and Scirrotto said.
First responders rushed Duffy to Abington Hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery, but was pronounced dead at 1:27 am. on Dec. 30, authorities said. Her dog survived the incident.
Authorities obtained surveillance video of the crash and later determined that the Audi was traveling between 45 and 48 mph in a 35-mph zone before the crash, and its brakes were not engaged, the DA's office said.
"Investigators determined that the cause of the crash was directly related to the manner in which Petrocik was operating his vehicle, including excessive speed, and Petrocik’s level of impairment," Steele and Scirrotto said.
Laboratory testing on Petrocik's blood found that he had multiple controlled substances in his system, authorities said.
Petrocik was arraigned Thursday before Magisterial District Judge Jay S. Friedenberg, who set bail at $20,000 cash.
He posted bail and was released.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 15.
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