Fugitive In 2009 Fatal Parkway Crash In Berkeley Caught: Prosecutor

BERKELEY, NJ — A fugitive from a 2009 Garden State Parkway crash was finally captured on Christmas Eve 14 years later, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Chaudhry Yousaf, 52, whose last known address was in Valley Stream, New York, was taken into custody at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on Dec. 24 by the United States Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. On Dec. 27, Yousaf was extradited to New Jersey, and is now in the Ocean County Jail.

Yousaf was a fugitive following a March 28, 2009 fatal crash on the Garden State Parkway at milepost 77, Billhimer said.

On that day, Yousaf was driving a black Lincoln Town Car with two passengers, Harris Kahn, 26, of Queens, New York, and Kishwa Jahan, 32, of Queens Village, New York, Billhimer said.

He was driving south when he lost control of the car and struck a roadway sign, continuing into the wooded area and striking a tree before finally coming to a rest, Billhimer said.

Yousaf, who appeared to be intoxicated at the scene, was charged with driving while intoxicated and taken into custody. He and Jahan were both taken to Community Medical Center and treated for their injuries.

Kahn was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of serious injuries, and died the next day. On March 29, Yousaf was charged with vehicular homicide, and taken to the Ocean County Jail from Community Medical Center, Billhimer said.

On March 30, 2009, Yousaf's bail was set for $150,000. Yousaf posted that and was released from jail, Billhimer said.

Then, on Feb. 5, 2010, Yousaf failed to appear for a mandatory court appearance and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest, Billhimer said.

He remained a fugitive from that date until his capture on Dec. 24,