Driver accused of dragging motorcyclist for nearly a mile now faces rape charge

Philadelphia prosecutors say suspect is charged in deadly hit-and-run and a separate child sexual assault case

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — A Philadelphia man accused of fatally striking a motorcyclist and dragging him for nearly a mile is now facing charges in both the deadly hit-and-run and a separate child sexual assault case dating back to 2021, prosecutors announced Friday.

The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office charged 48-year-old Derek Reid in connection with the June 24 fatal hit-and-run that killed Bryce Wolfe on Kelly Drive.

According to prosecutors, Wolfe was riding his motorcycle late that evening when Reid, who was driving a white SUV in the opposite direction, attempted to make a U-turn near Reservoir Drive.

Prosecutors allege the maneuver caused a collision with Wolfe’s motorcycle. Reid is accused of failing to stop and continuing to drive, dragging Wolfe for nearly a mile before leaving the scene.

Philadelphia police later identified the SUV through their investigation and determined it was registered to Reid.

Reid was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service on July 29 on an active warrant related to a 2021 child sexual assault investigation. While in custody, prosecutors allege Reid admitted to being the driver of the white SUV involved in the fatal crash.

In the hit-and-run case, Reid is charged with accidents involving death, homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter and recklessly endangering another person.

In the separate 2021 case, prosecutors charged Reid with rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault, sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors and indecent exposure.

Court records show Reid has been arraigned in both cases and is awaiting preliminary hearings.

Prosecutors requested bail of $1.5 million in the fatal hit-and-run case and $999,999 in the sexual assault case. A Philadelphia judge set bail at $750,000 in each case.

“The devastation Defendant Derek Reid inflicted on these two families is horrific. No one deserves to have their son taken away in such a careless way. We will pursue these charges to the fullest extent of the law,” District Attorney Larry Krasner said in a statement.

“This office also has zero tolerance for predators who brutalize the vulnerable, to include our children and young people. We are standing with these families during their journey of healing and we will do everything we can to seek and secure justice.”

The investigation remains ongoing. The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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Key Points

• Philadelphia prosecutors charged Derek Reid in connection with a fatal June 24 hit-and-run that killed motorcyclist Bryce Wolfe.
• Prosecutors allege Reid dragged the victim for nearly a mile before fleeing the scene.
• Reid also faces multiple charges in a separate 2021 child sexual assault case and is being held on $750,000 bail in each case.