Charges filed in fatal Lake Delhi crash

LAKE DELHI — A Manchester man has been arrested in connection with a fatal crash on Lake Delhi earlier this month.

According to a Delaware County Sheriff's Office news release, Joshua C. Juengel, 36, faces charges of homicide by vehicle, a Class C felony; leaving the scene of an accident, a Class D felony; making a false report, a serious misdemeanor; and reckless driving, a simple misdemeanor.

Authorities previously said Alex Salow, 23, of Delhi, was found dead on Jan. 8 after authorities discovered a vehicle that had crashed through the ice on the north end of Lake Delhi. The vehicle was upside down in about eight feet of water. The fatal crash is believed to have occurred the evening of Jan. 7.

The sheriff's office said Juengel originally told investigators on Jan. 8 that he had been in the vehicle with Salow, but exited before the vehicle ever went into the lake. However, authorities said their investigation showed that another person had been in the vehicle with Salow when it went through the ice. Additional evidence discovered at the scene — along with witness statements — placed Juengel at the scene of the crash, the sheriff's office said.

Authorities said evidence shows the vehicle was driven recklessly before crashing through the ice. Juengel fled the scene through a residential area to 197th Avenue, where he received a ride from a passing motorist.

Juengel's bond was set at $50,000 cash or surety. If convicted of all four charges, he could spend up to 16 years in prison.

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