Aug. 14, 2025
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
A Whitehall Township man has been charged with homicide by vehicle in connection with a fatal accident in 2024, according to Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan and Whitehall Police Chief Michael Marks.
Etienne Theagene, 37, faces other charges including speeding in the death of a 75-year-old pedestrian, Edward Tomcics, who lived in Whitehall.
An investigation showed that “had Theagene been driving the posted speed limit of 25 mph, he would have had time to see the victim crossing the road.”
The accident occurred in the 3200 block of Water Street.
Theagene is free on $25,000 unsecured bail. When bail is unsecured, no money is put up unless the suspect violates bail conditions. He faces a preliminary hearing on Sept. 29.
Here’s the statement from District Attorney Holihan and Police Chief Marks:
Aug. 14, 2025
455 WEST HAMILTON STREET
ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA 18101-1614
PHONE (610) 782-3100 | FAX (610) 820-3323
District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan and Whitehall Police Chief Michael Marks announce an arrest in a fatal crash that occurred in 2024.
Etienne Theagene, DOB 09/01/1977, of Whitehall, is charged with Homicide by Vehicle, a felony of the third degree; Involuntary Manslaughter, a misdemeanor of the first degree; and summary charges of Reckless Driving, Carless Driving (Unintentional Death), Maximum Speed Limits: 25 miles-per-hour in a Residential District and Driving Vehicle at Safe Speed.
Theagene surrendered today and was arraigned before District Judge Todd Hefflefinger. Theagene is free on $25,000 unsecured bail and his preliminary hearing is schedule for 2:30 p.m. Sept. 29, 2025.
Around 6:50 p.m. Dec. 25, 2024, Whitehall Township Police were called to a motor vehicle crash
involving a pedestrian at 3245 Water St. The driver of the vehicle involved was identified as Theagene.
The victim, later identified as Edward Tomcics, was found unconscious on the side of the road. Officers began conducting live-saving measures, but Tomcics was later pronounced dead at an area hospital.
Tomcics, 75, of Whitehall Township, died from Blunt Force Injuries due to Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision and his death was ruled accidental, according to the Lehigh County Corner.
The investigation included a mechanical inspection of Theagene’s vehicle, review of video surveillance footage and a visibility study. That study determined that had Theagene been driving the posted speed limit of 25 mph, he would have had time to see the victim crossing the road.
This case was investigated by Whitehall Township Police Officer Ronald Kester and will be prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney V. Paul Bernardino III.
As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest has occurred or a complaint has been filed are
merely accusations; and the accused, Etienne Theagene, is presumed innocent until and unless
proven guilty.
Lehigh Valley News Briefs 