FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Raymond Worrall
PHONE: (201) 795-6400 Ext. 6737
EMAIL: rworrall@hcpo.org
TWITTER: @HCPOProsecutor
WEB: hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org
DATE: Thursday, March 22, 2018
DRIVER CHARGED IN FATAL JERSEY CITY CRASH THAT KILLED TWO
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez released the following information:
On March 20, 2018, at approximately 4:25 p.m., Alex Torres surrendered to members of the Hudson County Regional Fatal Collision Unit in Jersey City for his involvement in a February 11, 2018, crash in Jersey City that killed two Union City residents. Torres, age 31, of Union City, was accompanied by his attorney and surrendered without incident.
Torres, who was driving the 2006 Honda Accord involved in that crash, has been charged with two counts of Death by Auto in violation of N.J.S. 2C:11-5, a second-degree crime; two counts of Causing Death or Injury While Driving with a Suspended License in violation of N.J.S. 2C:40-22, a third-degree crime; and three counts of Assault by Auto in violation of N.J.S. 2C:12-1(c), a third-degree crime.
Torres was processed and is currently being held at the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending his First Appearance Hearing. His First Appearance is scheduled for today at 1:30 p.m.
Prosecutor Suarez credited the newly formed Hudson County Regional Fatal Collision Unit with the investigation and arrest, as well as the Jersey City Police Department for assisting in the investigation.
On February 11, 2018, at approximately 3:20 a.m., the Jersey City Police Department responded to a report of a vehicle collision in the area of 608 Tonnelle Avenue in Jersey City between Manhattan Avenue and North Street. Responding Jersey City Police Officers found an overturned 2006-white Honda Accord in the northbound lanes of the roadway and a second vehicle, a 2006-red Toyota Corolla, located nearby on the sidewalk of the northbound lanes.
The initial investigation showed that there were two fatalities who were passengers in the red vehicle. The first victim was a male, later identified as Mario Guevara, age 25, of Union City. The second victim was a female, later identified as Heather Acosta, age 24, of Union City. The two victims were pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 4:10 a.m.
There was a driver and passenger in the red vehicle and also a driver and additional passenger in the white vehicle. All were transported to Jersey City Medical Center by Emergency Medical Services for treatment of their non-life-threatening injuries.
The above charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6).