Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Wayne Police Chief James Clarke announce that based upon an investigation by the Wayne Police Department, in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Jason Vanderee, 29, from Glenwood was
arrested this evening in relation to a fatal motor vehicle crash that took place this morning in the area of 1220 Route 23 North, in Wayne, New Jersey.
According to a statement released by Passaic County authorities, Mr. Vanderee is charged with three (3) counts of Aggravated Manslaughter, First Degree; three (3) counts of Death by Auto While Driving Intoxicated Within 1000 Feet of School Property, First Degree; three (3) counts of Death by Auto, Second Degree; Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Third Degree; Possession of Hypodermic Needles, a Disorderly Persons Offense; and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Disorderly Persons Offense.
Officials say on Tuesday, at approximately 8:46 a.m., police responded to Route 23 Northbound in the area of the Delta Gas Station, in the Township of Wayne, in response to a severe motor vehicle crash involving multiple vehicles.
A 2004 Honda Pilot, a 2011 Nissan Rogue, a 2016 Ford Transit T-250 Van, and a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro were all involved in the crash.
Upon police and medical personnel arrival, three (3) individuals were pronounced dead at
the scene; the two occupants of the Chevrolet Camaro, and a gas station attendant according to officials.
The occupants of the Chevrolet Camaro were later identified as Jon Warbeck, 50, Fair Lawn, and his son, a 17-year-old passenger, L.W., of Lincoln Park.
The gas station attendant was later identified as 22-year-old Lovedeep Fatra, of Pequannock according to officials.
The occupants of the Ford Transit Van and Nissan Rogue all received medical treatment for minor injuries. Jason Vanderee was transported to Saint Joseph’s Medical Center in Paterson for medical treatment. The preliminary investigation has revealed that Jason Vanderee was driving at an excessive speed at the time of the crash.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Jason Vanderee is scheduled to appear at Central Judicial Processing on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. The State intends to file a motion for pretrial detention in this matter that will be heard by a Superior Court Judge.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed
innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact the Wayne Police Department Traffic Division at 973-694-0600.