MILFORD - Pennsylvania State Police and Pike County District Attorney Raymond Tonkin announced that Philip J. Cise has been charged with causing the death of Gabrielle Reuveni of New Jersey who was vacationing in Palmyra Township, Pike County, last July.

State Police filed a criminal complaint charging  Cise, 48, of Dover, NJ with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, and homicide by vehicle, both felonies, driving under the influence of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor, and several motor vehicle code violations. According to the complaint, a witness reported following Cise on SR 507 in Palmyra Township and observing his vehicle move in and out of its lane of travel. The witness observed Gabrielle Reuveni running along Route 507. The witness observed Cise’s truck swerving towards the white line on the roadway near Reuveni. Cise’s vehicle then struck Reuveni, causing her death. 

An investigation by a State Police collision analysis and reconstruction expert concluded, Cise was traveling at a speed of approximately 55 miles per hour in a 45 miles per hour zone.

As troopers spoke with Cise, he informed them that he had just ingested Lithium, which he had a prescription for, but also that he had ingested two unprescribed painkillers called Gabapentin and Carabazapine.

Cise was taken before a state trooper who is a drug recognition expert for an examination. The drug recognition expert concluded that Cise was under the influence of a depressant at the time of his examination.

State Troopers then took Cise for a blood test. A lab test of Cise’s blood revealed the presence of Gabapentin. A toxicologist informed investigators that Gabapentin has side effects including fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision.

Pike County District Attorney Raymond Tonkin emphasized this case demonstrates the tragedy that can occur when someone takes medication not prescribed to them. Tonkin stated that the charges demonstrate that Cise recklessly caused the death of Gabrielle Reuveni, a bright young person who was simply enjoying life.