Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta has announced the arrest of Zachary Warren Barndt, of Bethlehem Township. Barndt in the death of 20-year-old Daniel Maffea, in an incident involving a vehicle operated by Barndt.

On May 22, 2026, at approximately 5:50 p.m., the Bethlehem Township Police responded to Madison Boulevard for an initial report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers determined that the victim, Daniel

Maffea, was riding on the trunk of a moving white sedan when he fell onto the roadway. First responders found Maffea unresponsive with a severe head injury and immediately transported him to a nearby hospital, where he died. Witnesses at the scene identified Zachary Barndt as the driver of the white sedan. Barndt initially left the scene but later returned in the car.

During the investigation, officers obtained video from a nearby business, which showed Maffea riding on the trunk of the car with his back against the rear windshield. As the vehicle entered the intersection on Madison Boulevard, Maffea fell from the vehicle and struck his head on the roadway, rendering him unconscious. Barndt and several passengers exited the white sedan to check on Maffea. Barndt then left the scene to move his vehicle and returned to the scene on foot. As additional police arrived, Barndt is observed walking away from the scene and eventually behind a building out of view on the video. Barndt was not identified or interviewed by first responders at that time. Later, Barndt returned to the scene. Further investigation revealed Barndt did not possess a valid driver’s license at the time of the incident, and the car did not have a current inspection, registration or proof of insurance.

Barndt is charged with Accidents Involving Death, Homicide by Vehicle, Aggravated Assault by Vehicle, Involuntary Manslaughter, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Careless Driving – Unintentional Death, Driving Without a License, and additional traffic offenses, including Unauthorized Person Hanging on Vehicle. Barndt was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Robert Kemmerer. Bail was set at $250,000 unsecured.

As in any criminal case, the fact that an arrest has occurred or a complaint has been filed represents merely an accusation, and any person charged is presumed innocent.