Sergeant in fatal crash charged with homicide, DUI

PHILADELPHIA A Philadelphia police sergeant involved in an off-duty car crash that killed another driver was charged Friday with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, the District Attorney's Office said.

Sgt. Thomas Winkis, 45, a 21-year veteran of the department, also was charged with homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence, involuntary manslaughter, and recklessly endangering another person, said Tasha Jamerson, spokeswoman for District Attorney Seth Williams.

Earlier Friday, Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey had suspended Winkis, who was assigned to specialized investigations and homeland security, for 30 days with intent to dismiss after reviewing the results of an Internal Affairs investigation.

Winkis was administratively charged with driving under the influence while off duty, said Officer Jillian Russell, a police spokeswoman. He also was charged with engaging in an action that constitutes the commission of a felony or misdemeanor.

The accident at State Road and Ashburner Street in Holmesburg happened Sept. 14, and David Farries, 55, died three days later at Aria Health-Torresdale Campus. Winkis was treated at the same hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening.

"We're just happy that finally we're getting somewhere," Farries' niece Natalie Leftwich, 33, said Friday.

Farries' family had complained this week that Winkis was receiving special treatment.

The District Attorney's Office said it had to wait for toxicology reports on both drivers and other investigative conclusions before deciding whether Winkis would be charged.

Lawyer Fortunato N. Perri Jr., who is representing Winkis, said he would arrange for the sergeant to surrender to police as soon as possible.

"Sgt. Winkis is deeply saddened by the tragic accident and the loss of life," Perri said. "He has been a dedicated and well-respected member of the Philadelphia Police Department for more than 20 years."

John McNesby, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, said the police union would "look at all the facts and make a determination in the coming weeks" on whether to fight Winkis' dismissal.

"It's an unfortunate case for all involved," McNesby said.

Farries, who lived in Fishtown and had four daughters and seven grandchildren, was buried Monday in Magnolia Cemetery in Tacony.

Farries was driving a 1994 Ford Econoline van and Winkis was driving a 2007 Dodge Charger when the accident occurred about 11:50 p.m., police said.

Winkis was driving south on State; Farries was traveling east on Ashburner, police said.

On Sept. 7, Officer Michelle Winkis, 42, the sergeant's ex-wife, died suddenly. She had three daughters, ages 12, 14, and 19. The FOP held a fund-raiser for the children two days before the crash.

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Inquirer staff writer Mark Fazlollah contributed to this article.