Somerset County authorities announced the arrest of Mr Kevin D. Betyeman, 56, Maple Street, Bridgewater and the on-going investigation involving a pedestrian fatality which occurred in Raritan Borough on September 18th.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on Friday, at approximately 3:33 p.m., Raritan Borough Police responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle on Old York Road at the intersection of Woodmere Street, Raritan Borough.
Responding Officers encountered a female victim with life threatening injuries.
The Officers along with responding medical personnel initiated lifesaving measures at the scene. The victim was transported to an area trauma center where she was subsequently pronounced deceased.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Team (C.A.R.T.) responded to the scene to assist Raritan Police with the investigation.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that the on-going investigation has revealed that the victim whom authorities have identified as Celeste Andresen, 60, 6th Avenue, San Manuel, Arizona was visiting Raritan, New Jersey from Arizona.
Ms. Andresen was an avid runner and was out for a run when she stopped at a designated pedestrian cross-walk in an attempt to cross over Old York Road.
A westbound vehicle on Old York Road and a southbound vehicle on Woodmere Street reportedly stopped to permit Ms. Andresen to cross.
Approximately ¾ of the way across the eastbound lane Ms. Andresen was struck by a 2018 Chevy Silverado which was being operated by Kevin D. Betyeman, 56, Maple Street, Bridgewater, New Jersey.
The investigation revealed that Ms. Andresen was crossing in a painted crosswalk and pedestrian crossing signs were present.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that Mr. Betyeman was arrested at the scene by Raritan Police for Driving While Intoxicated. Defendant Betyeman was charged with the following motor vehicle offenses: Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, and Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian. Additional criminal charges are pending awaiting the lab results of toxicology. Defendant Betyeman was subsequently released pending a future court appearance.