Sixteen months after a deadly hit-and-run shook a corner of Wissinoming, police say they have their suspect. A Northeast Philadelphia man was arrested Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in connection with the crash that killed 43-year-old Veronica Herling. Authorities identified him as 37-year-old Charles Edward Wright and allege he is tied to the November 1, 2024 collision on Levick Street that left Herling dead. The arrest caps a long investigation and has reignited neighborhood calls for safety fixes along the busy corridor.
Arrest And Charges
According to investigators, Wright faces multiple charges, including murder and homicide by vehicle, and is being held on $1,000,000 bail. Police say Herling was crossing the 4800 block of Levick Street when she was struck, and that her sneakers and some jewelry were later found near the point of impact. After months of work by detectives, Wright was taken into custody in Northeast Philadelphia, according to 6abc.
What Happened On Levick Street
The collision happened in the early morning hours on the 4800 block of Levick Street, a narrow residential stretch that connects drivers coming off I-95. Police and witnesses described the impact as violent and said the suspected vehicle sped away from the scene. Investigators relied on surveillance video and community tips to chase down leads. The design of the road, combined with its connection to the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, has made the stretch a long-standing hotspot for speeding, as reported by FOX29.
Neighbors Say Speeding Is A Problem
Residents told 6abc that drivers often fail to slow down after they come off the bridge, with one neighbor saying cars "fly" through the area. Another longtime resident said crashes at Keystone and Levick have started to feel routine, underscoring frustrations with traffic enforcement and the layout of the street. For many in Wissinoming, news of the arrest brings some relief, but not the broader traffic changes they say the neighborhood still needs.
What Comes Next
Wright's case will move through Philadelphia's criminal courts, where prosecutors will finalize formal charges and schedule upcoming hearings. Police say the investigation remains active and have asked anyone with additional information to contact the department's Crash Investigation Division.
