INDIANA COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — State police in Indiana County say a Homer City man is behind bars after being charged in a fatal DUI crash that occurred in Pine Township last year.

Authorities say on Jan. 7, 2023, troopers were dispatched to the intersection of Route 422 and Red Mill Road, near the Indiana County and Cambria County line, for a two-vehicle crash.

Police say the driver of a silver Subaru WRX, identified as 25-year-old Hunter McCloskey, was reportedly found dead in a nearby bush after being ejected in the crash.

Troopers say a red Ram 1500 pickup truck was also involved in the crash, however, its driver was not on scene.

Upon further investigation, police spoke with witnesses who were traveling in another vehicle at the time of the crash.

Police say the witnesses told troopers that they were all returning from "having some drinks" at "The Grove" bar, and that McCloskey was the "lead vehicle."

According to the affidavit, investigators say McCloskey was attempting to make a left-hand turn, onto Red Mill Road, at the same time that the driver of the Ram pickup truck was attempting to pass the witnesses' vehicle, in a no passing zone.

Police say the witnesses told troopers that the truck struck McCloskey's vehicle, causing his car to "spin around," at which time he was reportedly ejected.

Troopers say one of the witnesses then approached the driver of the pickup truck, who was identified as 23-year-old Reed Tantlinger.

After realizing the McCloskey was deceased, investigators say Tantlinger reportedly told the witness, "I'm going to jail," and then fled the scene.

Police say troopers later spoke to Tantlinger's relatives, who told investigators that he had contacted them to inform them that he was involved in a crash.

Troopers say Tantlinger admitted to fleeing the scene because he was "afraid of getting a DUI."

Investigators say Tantlinger was eventually located, several hours after the crash, and troopers noted that he smelled of alcohol and marijuana.

Authorities say a blood draw determined the presence of alcohol and THC in Tantlinger's system.

Investigators noted that a crash reconstruction determined that Tantlinger was traveling approximately 107 mph just prior to the impact with McCloskey's vehicle.

Police added that Tantlinger had also been previously cited for a DUI.

According to online court records, Tantlinger was arraigned Friday on a variety of charges, including homicide by vehicle while DUI, felony accident/victim dies and DUI-third offense.

He is being held at the Indiana County Jail on $100,000 bail.

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