Drunk Elizabeth Officer Charged In Fatal Motorcycle Crash

ELIZABETH, NJ — An off-duty Elizabeth police officer has been charged criminally in the fatal collision with a motorcycle driven by an Elizabeth man on Halloween night, Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey announced.

Romulo Meneses-Alvarez, 30, of Elizabeth, was charged with the third-degree crime of strict liability vehicular homicide, for causing a death by driving while intoxicated or under the influence, Carey said.

On Oct. 31 at around 11:20 p.m. Jairo Lozano, 29, of Elizabeth was driving a 2005 GSX Suzuki motorcycle in the area of Elmora Avenue and Vine Street where he was struck and killed by a a 2007 Jeep Wrangler driven by off-duty Elizabeth Police Officer Romulo Meneses-Alvarez, Cary said.

• See Related: Motorcyclist Killed In Collision With Off-Duty Elizabeth Officer

Lozano was taken to Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.

Three other motor vehicle summons were previously issued for Alvarez for driving while intoxicated, careless driving and failing to yield the right of way.

The investigation is active and is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Heck of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-8842.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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