Video Shows NJ Man Busted For Drugs Just Before Fatal DUI Crash

RARITAN, NJ — Body cam footage released by Raritan Police show Ronald B. Rebernik having his car searched and being arrested for drug possession hours. He was released on a summons before he allegedly ran over a borough family and killing a 1-year-old baby while driving under the influence.

The footage, obtained by mycentraljersey.com, shows Raritan Police questioning Rebernik 62, of Second Street in front of the QuickChek on W Somerset Street on July 7.

In the video, an officer can be heard asking Rebernik if there are any drugs in his vehicle, which he admits to having seven bags of heroin. He says there are no needles and all the bags are full.

Police find a few bags and another in Rebernik's front chest pocket. He then admits whatever is there, that's all there is. He can later be seen being handcuffed by officers.

Police ended up finding a total of eight glassine folds of heroin and two knotted plastic bags of crack cocaine, according to Somerset County Assistant Prosecutor Natacha Despinos-Peavey during his first appearance in court via mycentraljersey.com.

Rebernik was released on summonses and later that day at around 7:15 p.m. he jumped the curb and hit a Raritan borough family who were walking to the park to celebrate Matias Ortega's first birthday.

Matias was dragged under the car, and the SUV continued until it struck a parked car, according to family members.

Matias was pronounced dead at the scene and his 36-year-old mother Domitila Rosales who was walking on the sidewalk with her son Daniel Ortega, 5 were both hospitalized. They have both since been released.

Rebernik was arrested and charged with second-degree vehicular homicide, two counts of third-degree assault by auto, third-degree possession of controlled dangerous substance, and a disorderly person's offense of under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance.

Rebernik was also issued numerous motor vehicle summonses for DWI, DWI in a school zone, careless driving, reckless driving, and controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle. He has been remanded to jail until his trial.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family cover expenses related to the crash.

• See Related: Raritan Man Was Arrested For Drugs Hours Before Fatal DUI: Report
• Related: NJ Boy Celebrating 1st Birthday Hit, Killed In Alleged DWI Crash
• Related: Baby Killed, Child And Mom Hurt In DWI Crash In Raritan
• Related: Arrangements Set For Raritan Baby Who Was Killed On 1st Birthday

(Image via Somerset County Prosecutor's Office: Ronald B. Rebernik, 62, of Second Street, Raritan Borough; Videos via mycentraljersey.com)

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