The driver of the vehicle involved in a fatal accident Sunday night is now facing criminal charges related to the wreck that killed the front seat passenger.

Milton Roper, 56, of Guyton, has been arrested and charged with homicide by vehicle (first degree), driving under the influence, failure to maintain lane and failure to stop at a stop sign.

The passenger in the Nissan pickup, identified as Napoleon Roper, 55, of Guyton, was pronounced dead on the scene. The deceased was taken to the GBI crime lab in Savannah for an autopsy.

At approximately 8 p.m. Sunday, Effingham County Sheriff’s deputies and Georgia State Patrol troopers responded to the intersection of Courthouse and Midland roads on a report of an accident with injuries. There were no other serious injuries reported. The Georgia State Patrol Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is also investigating.

“DUI related crashes are on the rise in Effingham County which is why deputies will be increasing patrols throughout the county during the month of February,” said Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie.

Milton is currently being held in the Effingham County Jail.