Man charged with vehicular homicide in crash that killed off-duty police officer

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A man is facing vehicular homicide charges in connection with the crash that left an off-duty Philadelphia police officer dead earlier this year.

It happened on June 23 just before midnight at Bustleton and Rennard streets.
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Police say 18-year-old Aleksandr Melnikov was behind the wheel of a 2009 BMW, traveling at a high rate of speed when he crashed into a 2010 Hyundai after disregarding a red light.

Police Officer Henry Gonski III, who was inside the Hyundai at the time, was killed in the wreck.



No other serious injuries were reported.
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On Saturday, police said Melnikov was charged with homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter and other related offenses.



Chief Inspector Scott Small said the officer was a few blocks from his home when the crash happened.

Gonski was assigned to the Philadelphia International Airport.