Arrest Made In Crash That Killed NJ Assemblyman

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Authorities filed manslaughter and vehicular homicide charges against a North Jersey resident after a car crash killed a former state assemblyman in Newark last weekend.

John M. Arango-Taborda, 27, of Elizabeth, was arrested Wednesday in connection with Sunday’s crash, which resulted in the death of Alberto Coutinho, 56, of Newark.

The fatal, two-car collision took place around 7:30 a.m. near McCarter Highway and South Street, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Prosecutors accused Arango-Taborda of “driving at a high rate of speed” prior to the crash.

Coutinho was taken to University Hospital afterwards. He was pronounced deceased at 8:02 a.m.

Arango-Taborda was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.

Arango-Taborda has been charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter and second-degree vehicular homicide, prosecutors said.

MOURNING CONTINUES

Coutinho formerly represented the state's 29th district in the New Jersey Assembly. He also served on the Newark planning and zoning boards, and served as an Essex County Utilities Authority commissioner.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said Coutinho was a "giant" in Essex County and the Portuguese community, and was known for dedicating himself to the development of youth soccer programs and helping others in the community that he loved.

"More importantly, he was devoted to his family and was a true friend," DiVincenzo said.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka also mourned the late state lawmaker.

"Al fought for job creation, recreational space and workforce reentry reforms, all of which helped strengthen our city," Baraka said. "But more than that, Al was a central pillar of our Portuguese community, the Ironbound, and the city at large."

As an avid soccer fan, Coutinho prioritized his role as a soccer coach for local youth, the mayor said.

The annual Portuguese Day Festival was established by his family and overseen enthusiastically by Coutinho every year, Baraka added.

"On behalf of the people of Newark, I send my heartfelt condolences to his family, our Ironbound neighbors and all who have been touched by the generous spirit of this remarkable man," Baraka said.

The Ironbound Community Corporation called Coutinho a “proud son of the Ironbound community.”

The nonprofit said the late assemblyman brought attention to issues affecting urban communities and contributed to conversations around economic development, youth opportunity and neighborhood investment.

“Albert loved the Ironbound community deeply and was always generously sharing his talents and support for our residents,” CEO Hazel Applewhite said. “His dedication and commitment to the people of Newark and to the Ironbound Community Corporation will never be forgotten.”

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com