A 32-year-old man who was under the influence of drugs when he drove into oncoming traffic, leading to a head-on collision that killed a man in Bensalem Township, was sentenced Wednesday to six to 14 years in state prison.

Cooper Edward Finley, of Bensalem, was also ordered by Common Pleas Judge Brian T. McGuffin to serve seven years of probation in the March 23 crash that killed Ronald Swanson, a 40-year-old father of four.

On Oct. 27, Finley pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, homicide by vehicle, accidents involving death or personal injury while not licensed, recklessly endangering another person, three DUI offenses, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and five summary traffic violations.

During the sentencing, a number of Swanson’s loved ones told Judge McGuffin how his loss has left them devastated.  His wife said his death left “an empty space in my heart,” and Swanson’s sister cried that “it has torn apart my whole family.”

In her impact statement, Swanson’s mother said, “Cooper Finley took everything away from us. I will not be able to heal from this.”

Before handing down his sentence, Judge McGuffin also listened to an argument from Deputy District Attorney Megan Hunsicker who highlighted the defendant’s lengthy arrest history for drug and paraphernalia possession, including one that landed him in state prison, and his repeated failures to change despite opportunities with in-patient and outpatient rehab and other drug diversion programs.

Hunsicker said Finley continued to make “selfish choices” leading up to the March 23 crash and argued that even a sentence of 5-to-10 years is too lenient. The judge agreed.

Finley was driving southbound on Bristol Pike at 12:18 p.m. on March 23 when he drove into the northbound lane, forcing two motorists to swerve to avoid being struck.

Swanson, who was also traveling northbound, tried to avoid Finley, but the two vehicles collided head-on in the area of Hulmeville Road. The investigation found that Finley made no evasive maneuver to avoid the collision.

Swanson was extricated from his car and was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

A blood sample obtained from Finley found that he had fentanyl, norfentanyl, amphetamine, methamphetamine and methadone in his system at the time of the crash.

The investigation was led by Detective Brian Oliverio of the Bensalem Township Police Department, and the case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Megan A. Hunsicker.

Media Contact: Manuel Gamiz Jr., 215.348.6298, mgamiz@buckscounty.org