LANCASTER, PA – A 31-year-old Earl Township man accused of killing another driver while allegedly under the influence of drugs and alcohol will face trial in county court after waiving his preliminary hearing.
Luis Gustavo Cruz, of the 400 block of Jared Way, appeared before Judge Denise Commins on Sept. 30 and waived his right to the hearing on charges including homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, homicide by vehicle, multiple counts of DUI, and several summary traffic offenses.
Cruz is accused of crossing into oncoming traffic on the 2000 block of Horseshoe Road in East Lampeter Township the night of May 3, colliding nearly head-on with a vehicle driven by 72-year-old Ralph Groff.
Groff was pronounced dead at the scene as heavy rain poured across the area.
High speed and drugs alleged
Investigators allege Cruz was traveling nearly 70 mph in a 50 mph zone just seconds before impact. Surveillance footage reviewed by police reportedly showed his vehicle crossing the center line before the collision.
Blood tests taken roughly 30 minutes after the crash indicated Cruz had both cocaine and THC in his system and a blood alcohol content of 0.052%. Police say neither Cruz nor his juvenile son, who was in the front passenger seat, were wearing seatbelts.
Defense claims disputed by video evidence
Cruz initially told police that Groff’s vehicle had veered into his lane while he was driving around 40 mph, but investigators later contradicted that claim using footage from nearby cameras.
East Lampeter Township Police Officer Ryan Heistand filed the charges, and Assistant District Attorney Chris Miller is prosecuting the case.
Cruz remains free on $50,000 unsecured bail pending further proceedings in Lancaster County Court.