Speed, Cellphone, and Tragedy: Quakertown Woman Charged in Deadly Crash

CourthousePhoto by Markus Winkler on Pexels.com

HARRISBURG, PA — A Quakertown woman faces multiple felony charges after investigators say her actions behind the wheel led to a deadly crash that killed two people and injured a pregnant woman in Bucks County earlier this year.

According to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, 29-year-old Tori Gutshall was charged this week following a months-long investigation into a January collision on John Fries Highway. State police allege that Gutshall was driving at an unsafe speed while using her cellphone in poor weather conditions when her vehicle veered into oncoming traffic and struck another car head-on.

The victims, identified as Aaron and Christie Bisschop, were pronounced dead at the scene. A third motorist — a pregnant woman — was also struck when Gutshall’s vehicle continued forward after the first collision. She was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

READ:  Teen Arrested After Police Chase Leads to Shocking Gun Discovery in Wilmington

Authorities said an eyewitness observed Gutshall’s car traveling at a high rate of speed just moments before the crash. Investigators later concluded that she had crossed the center line while operating the vehicle in fog and rain.

Gutshall has been charged with two counts each of homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, and accidents involving death while not licensed, as well as additional related offenses. She was arraigned and released on $200,000 bail.

Attorney General Dave Sunday described the case as a stark reminder of the risks of distracted and reckless driving, emphasizing that “every driver has a responsibility to operate their vehicle safely — especially under poor road conditions.”

READ:  Perkasie Man Sentenced to Prison for DUI Crash That Killed Volunteer Firefighter

The case, referred by the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Madelyn Abry.

All charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.