CLEARFIELD – A man accused of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence was sentenced to state prison on Tuesday.
Duane E. Walk Jr. pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle while DUI and related charges. On the homicide by vehicle while DUI charge he was sentenced to four years and 90 days to 10 years in state prison. He is to refrain from the use or possession of alcoholic beverages, attend DUI school, must attend a mandatory drug and alcohol assessment, submit to DNA testing and must forfeit his driver’s license.
On the charge of driving under suspended license he was sentenced to 90 days in state prison, that term to run consecutive to the above term.
He must also pay fines and costs.
According to court records the incident in question occurred on April 26 in Morris Township. State police were called to the scene of an accident at the intersection of state Routes 53 and 2030. Upon arrival police observed a deceased man, later identified as William Golding, lying on the side of the road.
Police also noticed tire marks on the south lane of travel on SR 53 as well as a dent on the vehicle.
Another man was being treated by emergency medical services. According to the report when he was questioned as to his identity, the man told police his name was Harry Templeton.
The EMS worker told the trooper that the man earlier identified himself as Duane Walk. When asked, Walk allegedly told the trooper, “I lied to him (the EMS worker). I am telling you the truth.”
The trooper questioned the man about the accident and the man reportedly told the trooper that he did not know where he was. When he was informed about the accident, he allegedly told police that he did not know what was going on.
The report also stated that when asked where he lived, the man said Clearfield.
The report indicated that the trooper found a PA ID card in the man’s wallet, which identified “Harry Templeton” as Duane Eddy Walk Jr.
The trooper noted in his report that Walk had a strong odor of alcohol, that his speech was slurred and that he appeared confused and incoherent at times.
The trooper talked to a witness who told him that he saw the Blazer traveling at a high rate of speed. He said he saw the vehicle strike the guide rail. The man went to the accident scene and that he saw a person lying in the middle of the south lane of travel. He called 911 then checked on the driver, Walk.
An investigation by the state police revealed the vehicle was traveling around 75 miles-per-hour in a 45 zone. The vehicle was rounding a curve, left the road and struck the guide rail, which caused Golding, who was not using a safety belt, to be ejected from the vehicle.
While being treated at Clearfield Hospital Walk was interviewed by police. Walk allegedly continued to deny being involved in the accident, telling police that “I don’t understand.”
The affidavit of probable cause indicated that Walk refused chemical blood testing and that police needed to get a warrant to do so. His BAC came back at a 0.252 percent.