Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson and Somerset County authorities announced the arrest of Mr. George L. Rodriguez, 66, Teal Lane, Bedminster following a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred in Bedminster Township.
Prosecutor Robertson stated on Friday, November 13 at approximately 6:47 p.m. Bedminster Township Police responded to the intersection of Routes 202/206 and River Road for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving two motor vehicles.
Upon arrival, Patrol Officers observed two vehicles with extensive damage.
Both drivers, who were sole occupants of the vehicles, sustained injuries as a result of the crash.
Police say both drivers of the vehicles were subsequently transported to two different area hospitals by emergency medical services due to the extent of their injuries.
One of the drivers, whom authorities have identified as Michael C. Sivulich, age 65, of Bedminster, was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
The other driver, whom authorities are identifying as George L. Rodriguez, 66, Teal Lane, Bedminster, sustained internal injuries and was being treated at an area hospital and is expected to survive.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that the fatal motor vehicle crash is being investigated by Bedminster Township Police along with investigators from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART).
The investigation revealed that Mr. Rodriquez while operating a 2005 GMC Envoy northbound on Route 202/206 in the inner/left lane upon coming to the intersection of River Road crossed into the southbound side of the highway by driving to the left of the center concrete median and striking Mr. Sivulich who was operating a 2009 Nissan Sentra southbound in the outer right lane.
Subsequent investigation yielded that Mr. Rodriquez was under the influence at the time of the collision.
Defendant Rodriguez was taken into custody by authorities at the hospital where he remains under police guard.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that defendant Rodriguez was charged with second degree Death by Auto and third degree Causing Death while Operating a Motor Vehicle while Suspended.
Defendant Rodriquez was also issued the following motor vehicle summonses by Bedminster Township Police: Driving While Intoxicated, Revoked Driver, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, Unsafe Lane Change, and Improper Crossing on a Divided Highway. Upon release from the hospital, Rodriquez will be transported to the Somerset County Jail for lodging pending a bail detention hearing.
Prosecutor Robertson, Chief Fodor and Chief Rock request anyone with information relating to this incident to contact the Bedminster Township Police Department at (908) 234-0585 or via the STOPit app.