Drunk Driver Charged In Fatal Hit-And-Run On NJ Highway

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ — A Somerset County man was arrested in connection with the fatal hit-and-run crash with a bicyclist at a Route 22 intersection in Mountainside last week.

Fabian Parra, 35, of North Plainfield, was charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and second-degree
leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident that resulted in the death of Rocco Della Serra, 65, of Cranford, said Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel.

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On Aug. 6 at around 7:30 p.m., Mountainside Police Officers went to the intersection of Route 22 and New Providence Road following reports of a motor vehicle hit-and-run involving a bicyclist.

An investigation found that Parra, while driving on Route 22 West, was under the influence of alcohol, ran a red light, and struck Della Serra before continuing westbound, said Daniel.

Parra was found by Scotch Plains Police Officers about three miles from the crash site and placed under arrest, said Daniel.

Parra is currently lodged at Essex County Jail awaiting his next court appearance.

Anyone with information should contact Union County Prosecutor's Office Homicide Task Force Detective William Hannon at 908-578-8482, Sergeant Nicholas Veltre at 908-347-7330, or Mountainside Police Lieutenant Shaun Bendik at 908-232-8100.

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