Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Clifton Police Chief Mark Centurione announce that the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and the Clifton Police Department are investigating a fatal automobile collision that occurred at approximately 5 a.m. today on Route 46 westbound near the Garden State Parkway.
The collision involved a 2009 black Infinity automobile operated by Louis Yanez, 32, of Clifton, which was believed to be traveling eastbound while in the westbound lane resulting in a collision with a Honda CRV authorities said.
The male driver of the Honda CRV was pronounced deceased at the scene and two additional occupants of that vehicle were admitted to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Identification of the deceased male will be made at a later date.
Yanez is charged with one count of second-degree Death by Auto, two counts of third-degree Assault by Auto, and Motor Vehicle summonses for driving while intoxicated and reckless driving.
A crime of second degree Death by Auto is punishable by a term of 5 years to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison, which is subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA), which requires 85% of the sentence being served before parole.
The third degree Assault by Auto counts are punishable by a term of 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Bail has been set by the Honorable Adam E. Jacobs at $250,000 with no 10 percent option.
The investigation is ongoing and active.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.