BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — A 19-year-old Bridgewater teen has been charged with vehicular homicide and assault by auto after authorities say he crossed the centerline and struck another vehicle head-on in a crash that killed a Piscataway man and injured three passengers.
Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Acting Chief of County Detectives Meredith McKay and Bridgewater Township Police Chief John B. Mitzak announced the arrest of Dylan A. Baez, 19, of Bridgewater, following an investigation into the June 13 crash on Finderne Avenue in Bridgewater Township.
According to authorities, Bridgewater police responded at 9:41 p.m. to Finderne Avenue near Van Veghten Drive for a reported two-vehicle crash involving a Honda and a Kia.
Investigators said Baez, the driver of the Honda, was transported to an area trauma center for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.
The driver of the Kia, Joel R. Dominguez-Cruz of Piscataway, suffered critical injuries and was taken to a local trauma hospital, where he later died.
The front-seat passenger and two rear-seat passengers in the Kia were also transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Members of the Somerset County Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Bridgewater Police Department Traffic Safety Unit responded to investigate.
According to prosecutors, roadway evidence indicated the Honda, driven by Baez, was traveling northbound when it crossed the centerline into the southbound lane and struck the Kia head-on.
The investigation remains ongoing pending additional findings from the Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team.
On June 17, Baez was charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, second-degree assault by auto and two counts of third-degree assault by auto.
Authorities said Baez was served with the charges by officers from the Bridgewater Township Police Department. Upon his release from the hospital, he will be lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.
