By: Richard L. Smith
Middlesex County today that an Old Bridge man has been charged in connection with a fatal crash that occurred on July 16 on Route 18 and Ferris Road.
Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said at approximately 11:17 P.M., authorities responded to Route 18 and Ferris Road following the report of a crash.
Upon their arrival, authorities located a serious motor vehicle crash involving three vehicles.
Official said Ms. Florence Akoma, 45, of Sayreville, a passenger in a Honda Accord involved in the crash, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the same Honda Accord sustained significant injuries as a result of the crash.
After an initial investigation led by Detective Dan Haviland of the Old Bridge Police Department and Detective James Alleva of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, it was determined that a Nissan Rogue operated by James Cannici, 20, of Old Bridge, turned left from Ferris Road onto the wrong side of Route 18 and struck a Honda Accord and a third vehicle. Cannici was arrested at the scene for Driving While Intoxicated.
On July 17, 2023, Cannici was charged with first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter, second-degree Vehicular Homicide, third-degree Aggravated Assault and fourth-degree Assault by Auto. Cannici is presently lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending the results of a pre-trial detention hearing in Superior Court.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information or surveillance footage is asked to call Detective Haviland of the Old Bridge Police Department at 732-721-5600 ext. 3210 or Detective Alleva of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-4011.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Cannici are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.