Bridgewater Teen Crossed Into Oncoming Traffic, Charged In Fatal Head-On Crash: Police

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A 19-year-old from Bridgewater was charged in connection with a fatal head-on crash on Finderne Avenue in the Township on Saturday, said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald.

Dylan A. Baez, 19, of Bridgewater, was charged with vehicular homicide and assault by auto in connection with the Finderne Avenue crash.

An investigation found that on Saturday at around 9:40 p.m., Baez was driving a Honda north on Finderne Avenue.

The Kia then crossed over the centerline into the southbound lane, hitting a Kia head-on near the intersection of Van Veghten Drive, said the Somerset County Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, and Bridgewater Police.

Bridgewater Police Officers found Baez, who was then taken to an area trauma hospital for treatment of injuries.

The driver of the Kia, Joel R. Dominguez-Cruz of Piscataway, suffered critical injuries, said McDonald.

Dominguez-Cruz was taken to a local trauma hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The front passenger and two rear passengers of the Kia were also taken to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation remains ongoing pending further results of the Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team’s findings.

Baez was served with his complaints by officers from the Bridgewater Township Police Department.

Once released from the hospital, Baez will be lodged at the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing on this matter.

• Previous Reporting: 1 Dead, 4 Injured In 2-Car Crash In Bridgewater

Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at 908-231-7100 or the Bridgewater Police Department Traffic Safety Unit at 908-725-4111 or via the STOPit app.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) or SCPO.TIPS. All anonymous STOPit reports, and tips will be kept confidential.

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