A motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Penn Avenue and Big Spring Road in Heidelberg Township on August 29 resulted in the death of Brian Strubhar, 57, from Pine Grove, Schuylkill County. Following an extensive investigation, South Heidelberg Township Police Department announced that Luke Austin Thomason, 27, also from South Heidelberg Township, has been formally charged in connection with the crash.
The incident took place around 4:35 p.m., with police reports indicating that Thomason, driving eastbound on Penn Avenue (SR 422), allegedly approached the intersection at a high speed and failed to stop at a red traffic signal. As northbound traffic on Big Spring Road received a green light, Strubhar, who had the right of way, entered the intersection where his vehicle was struck by Thomason’s. Strubhar was pronounced dead at the scene.
In the weeks following the crash, South Heidelberg Township Police Department, in coordination with the Pennsylvania State Police and the Berks County District Attorney’s Office, conducted a detailed investigation into the events leading to the fatality.
The charges, now filed against Thomason, include multiple serious offenses, including Homicide by Vehicle, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Reckless Driving, and Careless Driving resulting in death. Additionally, charges related to traffic violations such as disregarding Traffic Control Signals, exceeding Maximum Speed Limits, and failure to yield at Stop Signs and Yield Signs have also been leveled.
Thomason was taken into custody and is being held at the Central Processing Center under the supervision of the Berks County Sheriff’s Office, where he awaits arraignment. A preliminary hearing will be scheduled in the coming days.
The South Heidelberg Township Police Department, responsible for policing South Heidelberg Township, Heidelberg Township, Wernersville Borough, and Robesonia Borough, emphasized that Thomason remains presumed innocent until proven guilty, as stated in the formal complaint.
