White Plains Firefighter Allegedly Drove DUI in Crash

download (10)An off-duty White Plains firefighter has been accused for his role in a fatal wrong-way crash and is facing a 16-count indictment.

According to Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiore, Erik Refvik, a firefighter with the White Plains Fire Department, is currently charges which include aggravated vehicular homicide, manslaughter and driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Investigators believe that Refvik was driving his Chevy Tahoe near Post Road when he allegedly turned the wrong way onto on South Lexington Avenue. He allegedly T-boned the Honda carrying 47-year-old Reyda La Madrid and her 49-year-old husband, Edgar Lopez while they were delivering newspapers.  The accident happened as they were crossing South Lexington Avenue. Newspaper deliver Reyda La Madrid died at the scene while her husband suffered serious injuries.

Police say Refvik was speeding at the time of the crash and continued even after hitting the Honda.  Refvik’s vehicle pushed the Honda approximately 200 feet down the road while the couple was trapped inside.

Authorities say La Madrid had been in the back seat of the Honda, folding newspapers at the time of the impact.

DiFiore said in a statement that the White Plains firefighter had been drinking for 12 hours and had gone to at least four bars.  Only one bar refused to serve him. Refvik, at the time of his arrest, had a blood alcohol level of .145.

Reports indicate that Refvik also had consumed cocaine, a drug called clonazepam, and bath salts.

Refvik has been suspended from his job without pay during the investigation.

Facing the charge of DUI, especially when there are fatalities involved, can be very serious. If convicted, there is usually jail time, heavy fines, and many other consequences that can happen as a result.   A DUI conviction can also cost your job and that can take its toll on you and your loved ones.  When facing a DUI charge, you need to have an attorney who will fight on your side.