WILLIAMSPORT -- Charges are set to be filed against a Williamsport police officer involved in a deadly crash.
Investigators said Officer Jonathan Deprenda's police cruiser hit another car and killed the driver, James Robinson, two weeks ago.
The Lycoming County District Attorney said Williamsport police officer Jonathan Deprenda will be charged for the death of James Robinson.
Investigators said Officer Deprenda was involved in a crash with Robinson on East Third and Railway Streets while Deprenda was responding to a call the night of January 12.
Robinson died at the scene.
Robinson worked at the Denny`s on East Third Street in Williamsport, and his co-workers said Robinson, known as “Boomer” is dearly missed.
“He was a great guy, fun to be around, always happy, always helping people but definitely a great loss,” said manager Jamie Whaley.
“Boomer was awesome, nice guy, did his job, great friend, funny, he was a good guy,” said serve Carla Page.
District Attorney, Eric Linhart, said Deprenda will face homicide by vehicle and involuntary manslaughter charges.
State police said Deprenda was going 88 miles an hour in a 35 mile zone when he collided with Robinson and that Robinson had nothing to do with the call Deprenda was responding to.
“I know they`re police but it`s terrible you know?” said Page. “You can hurt people out here, and I hope that this is a lesson learned to be careful.”
Robinson`s friends said this is a tragedy for the families of both Robinson and Deprenda.
“It`s just a loss, every time I see it, it`s just kind of a reminder of everything that happened, and it`s just a bad situation altogether,” said Whaley.
“I`m sure he didn't wake up saying you know I`m going to kill someone you know. It`s an accident, but some accidents can be avoided and this is an example of one of those times,” said Page.
The district attorney said Deprenda will be arraigned Tuesday morning at 9 a.m.
A joint news conference with state police will follow at 11 a.m.