A Linden man charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident that took place over the weekend on the New Jersey Turnpike in Elizabeth, pleaded not guilty.
William Espinal-Mejia, 35, was charged with a single count of second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident. He turned himself in to authorities Monday evening. Judge Brenda Coppola Cuba today set Espinal-Mejia's bail at $100,000 with a 10 percent cash alternative. He must also surrender his passport. He’s expected to appear in court again next month.
It was approximately 3 a.m. on Sunday, February 28 when state troopers responded to a report of a crash that occurred in the southbound outer lanes of the Turnpike near mile marker 102.5 in Elizabeth, according to the investigation. The victim in the case was identified as 25-year-old Vincent Harrison of Valley Stream, N.Y., a New York City Police Department officer who was not on duty at the time of his death.
Harrison was found at that location and pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation revealed that Harrison was involved in an accident with another vehicle and reportedly exited his vehicle and engaged in an exchange of words with the other driver.
Information provided to law enforcement has led investigators to believe that Harrison had his weapon drawn immediately prior to being struck by a third vehicle being operated by Espinal-Mejia, who stopped briefly but then left the scene before troopers arrived.
According to Espinal-Mejia's attorney, Victor Rotolo, his client stopped and got out to help Harrison but he drove off when he saw a tractor-trailer started to jack-knife, fearing for his and his family's safety.
The incident remains under investigation.