BOSTON --
An Acton firefighter has been charged with motor vehicle homicide while driving drunk in connection with a crash that killed another firefighter.
James Routenberg, 24, of Westford, surrendered to Westminster police on Friday and was charged with motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of alcohol and negligent operation. Routenbergs blood alcohol level was .20, more than twice the legal limit for driving, the Worcester District Attorney's Office said.
Leo Hayes, 36, of Maynard, a passenger in Routenbergs 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, was killed in the one-vehicle crash at about 5 p.m. on Feb. 26. The sports utility vehicle went out of control on a bend in the road near 221 Worcester Road in Westminster and struck a tree. Hayes was pronounced dead at the scene.
Routenberg will be arraigned Friday in Gardner District Court. He is also charged with civil infractions for speeding, a marked lanes violation and having no inspection sticker.
If convicted, Routenberg faces up to 15 years in state prison.
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