Middlesex County officials announced today that a Somerset man has been charged in connection with a fatal crash that occurred, November 9.
According to officials, on Wednesday, November 9, at approximately 2:14 A.M., the Old Bridge Police Department responded to a crash that occurred near the intersection of Spring Valley Road and Route 9 South.
Officials say, as a result of the crash, Arturo Tlapa Luna, 33, of Freehold, was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Other members of his family who were in the vehicle were transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries.
According to Malboro officials, the stolen vehicle was utilized to travel to Marlboro, where the suspects were attempting to burglarize cars.
Thereafter, residents observed the suspects and notified the police.
Malboro Police say, the police responded, and an officer initiated a pursuit with the suspects charged, which ended in Old Bridge.
According to Old Bridge officials, Samuel Villar, 19, of Somerset, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter in the death of Mr. Luna, four counts of second-degree Aggravated Assault and one count of second-degree Eluding, one count of second-degree Employing a Juvenile, and one count of third-degree Theft.
Officials say, Villar is presently lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center pending a pre-trial detention hearing in Superior Court.
In addition, a 17-year-old juvenile male has been taken into custody and charged with an act of juvenile delinquency for offenses which, if committed by an adult, would constitute one count of third-degree Burglary, one count of fourth-degree Joyriding, and one count of third-degree Conspiracy to commit Burglary.