Off-duty Philadelphia police officer charged in crash that killed local chef

Authorities say a Philadelphia police officer has been charged in connection with a crash that killed a local chef in January.

According to investigators, on January 31 11:30 a.m., off-duty Philadelphia police officer Adam Soto was traveling eastbound on Cottman Avenue at a high rate of speed when he came in contact with a pedestrian who was reportedly running across the street. The victim, 50-year-old Daniel Dimitri, was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Through further investigation, it was discovered that another off-duty officer was operating his personal vehicle recklessly at the same time and in the same direction as Officer Soto, according to police. As a result of this investigation Officer Adam Soto, 24, and a 3-year veteran of the department assigned to the 24th District, was arrested charged with Homicide by Vehicle and Involuntary Manslaughter.

Another officer assigned to the 14th District was not charged criminally; however, he has been charged with departmental violations for his involvement.

The two officers surrendered themselves on Wednesday.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross has suspended Adam Soto and Tony Forest for 30 days with the intent to dismiss at the end of the 30 days.

For the family of Daniel Dimitri not a day goes by when they don't miss him dearly.

"My mother is devastated. She lost her youngest child. She's like a zombie half the time," the victim's sister Cherylann Dimitri told FOX 29.