Philadelphia police officer charged after fatal crash

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A Philadelphia police officer has been charged following a crash in January that left a man dead.

Ofc. Adam Soto has been charged with homicide by vehicle in the death of 50-year-old Danny DiMitri.

DiMitri was hit along Cottman and Algon avenues in Philadelphia.

The family believes that Soto was drag racing against two other officers in another car, when he hit and killed DiMitri as he was attempting to cross the street.

"He was a great brother. They stole him from us," said DiMitri's sister, Cheryl.

DiMitri's family members say their lives are forever changed.

"Just the fact that he was going about his day like anybody else and that he got struck and killed is just... I haven't even taken it all in yet still," said his niece, Brittany Prosinski.

"Being police officers, they know or knew that driving that fast could kill somebody and, unfortunately, it had to be my brother, my only sibling who I miss every day. My life will never be the same," said Cheryl DiMitri.

Philadelphia police say three officers were involved in the incident, including Ofc. Soto.

Soto has been charged with homicide by vehicle and involuntary manslaughter.

The second officer has been identified as Tony Forest, a three year veteran with the 14th District. He was not charged criminally, but police say he was charged with departmental violations for his involvement. He has been suspended with intent to dismiss.

The department says the third officer, whose name was not released, had already resigned on an unrelated incident.

"Two officers were put on suspension with intent to dismiss status. One of them has been arrested, that officer is Adam Soto. He is a three year veteran assigned with 24th District," said Captain Sekou Kinebrew.

Dimitri's family says this case is not about bashing the police department, but about justice and being a voice for a family member who has been silenced.

"We have always been very supportive of the police department, and we know they put their lives on the line for us every day. We just want to see the guys get held accountable for what they did, just like if it were you or me or anybody else," said Prosinski.

The case is now being handled by the district attorney's office.

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