Thomas Winkis, police sergeant, to lose job, charged with homicide

Metro file photo
Credit: Rikard Larma / Metro

Philadelphia Police Sgt. Thomas Winkis was charged Friday with involuntary manslaughter and homicide related to his involvement in a fatal crash on Sept. 14 in Northeast Philadelphia, officials said, and will likely be dismissed from the force.

Officials with the District Attorney’s Office announced via Twitter on Friday that Winkis was charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence and involuntary manslaughter.

Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said in a news release that following an internal affairs investigation he decided to suspend Winkis for 30 days. After the 30 days, Ramsey said, the department intends to fire him.

Winkis, 45, a 21-year veteran of the force, rammed his Dodge Charger into 55-year-old David Farries’ Ford Econoline van 30 minutes before midnight at the intersection of State Road and Ashburner Street in Holmesburg.

Farries, a father of four, was ejected from his vehicle and was transported to Aria Hospital in Torresdale. He died three days later.

Seven days before the crash Winkis’ ex-wife, Michelle, also a cop, died unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm. She was 42.

The couple has three children.

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