Local man charged for driving drunk, causing fatal crash near Scalp Ave. KFC

Johnstown, PA (WJAC) — Richland Township police have filed charges against a local man after he admitted to driving intoxicated and causing a three-vehicle crash near the KFC on Scalp Avenue last July that later claimed the life of a 20-year-old Windber man.

Police say on the evening of July 19th, authorities were dispatched to the area of the KFC restaurant in Richland for a report of a multi-vehicle crash with injuries and entrapment.

Investigators say, according to witnesses, the driver of a 2009 Chevy Cobalt, identified as 39-year-old Donald Burkett, was reportedly traveling westbound on Scalp Ave., at a high-rate of speed, when he collided with two vehicles.

Police say one of the vehicles, a 2006 Hyundai Sonata, was attempting to leave the restaurant's drive-thru when it was struck in the driver's side and "rotated" into another vehicle that was sitting in the left-hand turn lane, attempting to enter the restaurant's property.

Authorities say the driver of the Hyundai was seriously injured and her brother, Toby Shreffler, later passed away from his injuries sustained in the crash.

Investigators noted that Burkett's speed and attempt to avoid a collision left a 185-foot skid mark along the roadway.

According to the affidavit, police say Burkett later admitted to drinking and smoking marijuana prior to the crash, and claimed that the reason for his excessive speeding was because he was "upset."

On Monday, Burkett was arraigned on several charges, including homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while DUI, aggravated assault by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI and involuntary manslaughter, online court records show.

He is being held at the Cambria County Prison on $300,000 bail.

Editor's note: Burkett's mugshot has not yet been released.

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