Bedminster Man Charged In Fatal DWI Crash On Route 202/206

BEDMINSTER, NJ — A Bedminster man, who police say was driving while intoxicated, crossed over the highway and fatally hit a township man on Route 202/206, according to Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson.

On Friday at about 6:45 p.m., George L. Rodriguez, 66, of Teal Lane in Bedminster was driving a 2005 GMC Envoy north on Route 202/206 in the inner, left lane.

When Rodriguez got to the intersection of River Road he drove around the center concrete median and crossed into the southbound side of the highway and hit a 2009 Nissan Sentra in the outer right lane, Robertson said.

The driver of the Sentra, Michael C. Sivulich, 65, of Bedminster, was taken to an area hospital when he was pronounced dead, Robertson said.

Rodriguez was also taken to an area hospital where he was treated for internal injuries and is expected to survive.

An investigation by Bedminster Township Police along with investigators from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) found that Rodriquez was under the influence at the time of the collision, Robertson said.

Rodriguez was taken into custody by authorities at the hospital where he remains under police guard.

Rodriguez was charged with second-degree death by auto and third-degree causing death while operating a motor vehicle while suspended. Rodriquez was also issued the following motor vehicle summonses by Bedminster Township Police: driving while intoxicated, revoked driver, reckless driving, careless driving, unsafe lane change, and improper crossing on a divided highway.

Upon release from the hospital, Rodriquez will be taken to the Somerset County Jail for lodging pending a bail detention hearing.

Anyone with information relating to this incident to contact the Bedminster Township Police Department at 908-234-0585 or via the STOPit app. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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