Bridgeton Man Faces Charges in Deadly South Brunswick Crash
Joseph Vega, a Bridgeton man, has been apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force in Georgia. Following his arrest, Vega will be held in Georgia pending extradition, after which he will undergo a detention hearing upon his return to New Jersey.
The incident in question dates back to April 12, 2024, when a fatal crash took place at the intersection of Route 1 and Ridge Road. The collision involved a tractor-trailer and a passenger van, resulting in the tragic deaths of three individuals. The victims were identified as Charisse Nelson-Bailey, 24, from Princeton Junction, along with Daniel Vida, 28, also from Princeton Junction, and Maria Passalaris, 25, from Skillman.
Investigations conducted by Officer Bryan Sites of the South Brunswick Police Department and Sergeant Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office revealed that the collision occurred when the tractor-trailer driven by Joseph Vega, 43, failed to stop for a red light at the intersection. Vega was transporting an oversized concrete load at the time of the accident.
On May 29, 2024, Vega was officially charged with three counts of first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter and three counts of second-degree Vehicular Homicide. As of July 3, 2024, he has been taken into custody in Georgia by the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force. Upon his extradition to New Jersey, Vega will face a detention hearing.
The investigation into the fatal crash remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with pertinent information to reach out to Officer Sites of the South Brunswick Police Department or Sergeant Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. It is important to note that all charges against Vega are merely allegations, and he is to be presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
