Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey announced that a man from Piscataway was indicted today in causing the death of a pedestrian, a 49-year old vice-principal of New Brunswick High School, who was struck and killed on October 6, 2018.
According to authorities, Freddy S. Garcia Jr., 22, of Piscataway was indicted for aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, vehicular homicide in the second degree, knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death in the second degree, causing death while driving with a suspended license in the third degree, three counts of hindering in the third degree, and false reports to law enforcement in the fourth degree.
Officials say twelve motor vehicular summonses were previously issued for Garcia for reckless driving, careless driving, racing on highway, leaving the scene involving personal injury, failure to report collision, failure to keep right, suspended driver, unlicensed driver, unregistered vehicle, uninsured vehicle, fictitious plates, and no inspection sticker.
The indictment was handed up following a presentation to a Middlesex County Grand Jury by Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor Keith Abrams.
An investigation by Officer Meredith Robbins of the Piscataway Police Department and Detective Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined that on Oct. 6, 2018, at approximately 9:17 pm multiple vehicles were illegally street racing on Stelton Road in Piscataway. Garcia, lost control of his 2003 Honda Accord, struck and killed the victim on Stelton Road near Ethel Avenue in Piscataway. Then, Garcia abandoned his car and fled the scene. Later, Garcia falsely reported that his car, which was not registered or insured, was stolen.
Police say the victim, Tyrone Harrison, 49, of Somerset, a Vice-Principal of the New Brunswick High School was walking from the Edison train station on route to a relative’s house when he was struck. Harrison was pronounced dead at the scene from the injuries he sustained in the fatal hit and run.
The investigation is active and continuing.
Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Robbins at (732) 562-7652 or Detective Berman at (732) 745-4328.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Garcia are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.