FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ (Somerset County) – A Somerset County man is facing several charges including vehicular homicide following a double fatal crash in Franklin Township on Sunday morning, according to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald.
Amitoj Oberoi, 29, of Somerset, who is employed as an Edison police officer and off-duty at the time of the crash, was charged with two counts of first-degree vehicular homicide.
Additionally, he was issued motor vehicle summonses for driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, careless driving, improper passing, and failure to keep right.
The second crash happened on Aug. 27, at around 6:22 a.m., on Somerset Street (Route 27) near Voorhees Avenue, in the Somerset section of Franklin Township, McDonald said.
Responding Officers along with Emergency Medical, and Rescue-Fire personnel upon arrival-initiated life saving measures on the occupants of the vehicle, McDonald said.
Oberoi was transported to an area trauma center via ambulance with undisclosed injuries sustained from the crash. Oberoi is listed in stable condition and is expected to recover, McDonald said.
The vehicle was occupied by three passengers:
- Passenger #1 – front seat passenger, identified as a 29-year-old male, Highland Park resident, sustained minor injuries, and refused medical attention at the scene.
- Passenger #2 – right rear seated passenger, identified as Carlos A. Perez-Gaytan, 24-year-old male, Somerset resident, was ejected from the vehicle at the time of the crash suffering fatal injuries, and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
- Passenger #3 – left rear seated passenger, identified as Victor Cabrera-Francisco, 20-year-old male, North Brunswick resident, was trapped in the vehicle following the crash and required extrication. As a result of the crash, he suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
According to McDonald, the investigation has revealed that Oberoi while operating the 2007 Audi Q7 southbound on Somerset Street at a high rate of speed lost control of the vehicle causing the vehicle to leave the roadway striking several trees, lamp posts and a utility pole upon coming to rest.
The investigation revealed that Oberoi was allegedly over the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (B.A.C.) limit at the time of incident, McDonald said.
“The investigation remains on-going and none of the other occupants were law enforcement officers,” McDonald said.
On Wednesday, Aug. 30, Oberoi was served with the criminal complaint warrant and he remains at an area trauma center under police custody.
Upon release, he will be transported to the Somerset County Jail for processing and a detention hearing, McDonald said.
