After nearly seven months, Bristol Township police have announced the cause behind a deadly summer crash on Mill Creek Parkway.
The crash, which killed 55-year-old Heather MacHenry of Levittown, occurred on August 19 when MacHenry’s vehicle was struck as she attempted a left-hand-turn out of Bristol Township’s Oaktree section onto Mill Creek Pkwy. Police announced Tuesday that the 52-year-old driver of the Dodge Ram pickup that struck MacHenry was driving under the influence.
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On March 3, charges were filed against Fairless Hills resident Joseph Palucis. Police allege they smelled “a strong odor of alcohol” on Palucis’ breath immediately after the crash. They tested Plaucis blood for alcohol and drugs. According to police, Palucis was operating the vehicle with a BAC of .141, nearly double the legal limit of .08. Traces of two Schedule I and two Schedule IV narcotics were also found in his system.
According to police, Palucis admitted at the scene that he had several beers earlier in the day, and while he knew he was driving under the influence, he blamed MacHenry for the crash. Police announced Tuesday that no other charges would be filed against Palucis because they determined MacHenry encroached into Palucis’ travel path when attempting the left turn.
Police say MacHenry’s injuries sustained in the crash combined with her already delicate health status attributed to her death, MacHenry passed away at St. Mary’s Medical Center after spending more than a week “unresponsive.”
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MacHenry, who was a Bristol Township resident and teacher at Maple Shade Elementary School, was the wife of a longtime Levittown volunteer firefighter.
Sgt. Chuck Burns, who is currently an acting lieutenant, said Palucis will be charged via summons with driving under influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
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Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents
