Pennsylvania Man Dies After Being Struck by Alleged Drunk Driver Following Route 1 Crash in South Brunswick
A tragic chain-reaction crash on Route 1 in South Brunswick, New Jersey, left one man dead after he was reportedly struck by another vehicle while standing outside his car early last month, according to authorities.
Officials said the incident happened around 2 a.m. on April 19 on the northbound side of Route 1 near Ridge Road. Investigators with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office said the deadly event began with an initial rear-end collision involving a man from Pennsylvania and a woman from Jersey City.
Authorities identified the victim as Leonid Tubert, 53, of Chester, Pennsylvania. Prosecutors said Tubert’s vehicle was rear-ended by a car driven by a 31-year-old woman from Jersey City. After the first crash, both drivers exited their vehicles and were speaking on the roadway when another vehicle approached the scene.
According to investigators, an SUV then crashed into the back of Tubert’s vehicle, trapping him between the two vehicles involved in the earlier collision. Emergency crews responded to the scene and Tubert was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Officials later confirmed that he died from his injuries.
The woman involved in the first crash and her passenger were not injured during the second impact, authorities said.
Law enforcement officials later identified the SUV driver as Darnell Ingram, 45, of Trenton. Prosecutors announced that Ingram has been charged with vehicular homicide and assault by auto in connection with the fatal crash.
Authorities also charged him with causing death while operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, causing serious bodily injury while operating a motor vehicle while suspended, and driving under the influence after toxicology results were completed.
Court records show Ingram was released on home detention while awaiting a future court appearance. Authorities said no defense attorney was listed in court filings at the time of the announcement.
The investigation remains active. Officials are asking anyone who may have information about the crash to contact South Brunswick Police Officer James Kraivec or Detective James Alleva of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
The case highlights the serious dangers investigators say can arise from impaired driving and driving with a suspended license, especially during overnight highway travel when visibility and reaction times may already be reduced.
Sources:
Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office
South Brunswick Police Department
New Jersey Court Records
