Erratic Wrong-Way Driver Ran Red Light Before Fatal Route 202 Crash: Prosecutor

RARITAN, NJ — A man driving erratically on Route 202, who reportedly ran a red light, was charged in connection with the fatal crash on Monday that claimed the life of a Bridgewater woman.

Siddartha Prasad Surapanani, 18, of Belle Mead, was charged Monday with second-degree vehicular homicide, said Somerset County First Assistant Prosecutor Annemarie L.
Mueller.

Raritan Police were called to the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving a Genesis SUV and an Acura SUV just before 6:30 a.m. The crash was reported at the intersection of Route 202 and First Avenue.

An investigation found that Surapanani, who was driving the Genesis, crossed over the intersection of Route 202 and First Avenue against a red light before hitting the driver’s side door of the Acura SUV, said Mueller.

The driver of the Acura, a female resident of Bridgewater, was
pronounced dead at the scene.

Surapanani ran away on foot and was later apprehended by Raritan Police.

He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Authorities said that there were also numerous reports of "Surapanani driving erratically leading up to the crash, including driving in the wrong direction on Route 202 at times."

Somerset County Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team, along with the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Raritan Police, are investigating.

Investigators from the Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office also responded. The investigation is currently ongoing pending the results of the Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team’s findings.

Surapanani was arrested and charged with second-degree vehicular homicide. He was served with his complaint in a local hospital.

Upon discharge from the hospital, Surapanani will be lodged in Somerset County Jail pending a court hearing in this matter.

Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at 908-231-7100 or the Raritan Police Department at 908-725-6700 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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