— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
A Macungie man faces 4 to 17 years in state prison for a fatal crash in 2021.
Anthony Michael Rutch, 52, pleaded guilty in November to charges stemming from the death of bicyclist Alexander Zarnas.
I used to be an avid bicyclist. Now if I go, it’s usually on paths. There are too many distracted drivers, too many straight-pipers and the like speeding and passing other vehicles on city streets, and the roads are not safe.
Here are the facts, straight from District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan:
Dec. 16, 2024
District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan announced a Macungie man received a state prison sentence for a fatal crash that occurred in 2021.
Anthony Michael Rutch, DOB 10/2/1972, pleaded guilty Nov. 4, 2024 to charges of Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury, a felony of the second degree and Homicide by Vehicle, a felony of the third degree.
At a hearing Dec. 13, 2024 before Judge Anna-Kristie M. Marks, Rutch was sentenced to serve 4 to 17 years in state prison for the death of Alexander Zarnas.
At 5:06 p.m. March 9, 2021, Pennsylvania State Police were called to a report of a bicyclist struck by a car at 6680 Mountain Road in Lower Macungie Township. The car, described as a black sedan with front end damage, did not remain on scene.
The bicyclist, identified as Zarnas, 36, died from multiple blunt force injuries and his death was ruled accidental by the Lehigh County Coroner.
Witnesses told troopers that at the time of the crash, they saw a black sedan driven by Rutch leave the scene and return to his home on Rittenhouse Road. The car had front-end damage consistent with the crash.
An investigation revealed Rutch was driving the sedan when he struck Zarnas and the victim was within sight distance.
Lehigh Valley News Briefs 