In Elizabeth this past Saturday, a city resident led Elizabeth Police on a car chase that ended in a fatal wreck.In Elizabeth this past Saturday, a city resident led Elizabeth Police on a car chase that ended in a fatal wreck. Surpris Ophilien Jr., a 30 year old city man, has been charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree death by auto, second degree eluding police, two second-degree weapons offenses, third-degree resisting arrest, and related traffic violations, including leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park said it was around, 2:30 am when Elizabeth Police were called to the Allstar Nightclub on 3rd Street in Elizabeth due to a call about an altercation. While on route to that call, two Elizabeth Police Officers, in a patrol vehicle spotted a green GMC pickup truck being driven by Surpris Ophilien. Mr. Ophilien was observed travelling through a red light a high rate of speed, Prosecutor Park noted. Elizabeth Police followed him and he led them on a short pursuit, and once he travelled down a one way street in his green GMC pickup truck they decided to terminate the pursuit. Within the moment they terminated the pursuit, they heard a loud crash on an overpass. Elizabeth Police quickly responded to Ophilien who had critically injured 25 year old Edward Coleman, who was driving the vehicle Surpris Ophilien struck. Ophilien was found to have a .45 caliber handgun in his possession, in addition he ran from the scene of the accident and jumped from the overpass and was arrested immediately.
More information can be found here
N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4 is Aggravated manslaughter, it is a crime of the 1st degree. If found guilty a person is looking at 10 to 20 years in state prison.
N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5a which is criminal homicide and it constitutes vehicular homicide when it is caused by driving a vehicle or vessel recklessly. The charges are stratified depending on the circumstances. Generally it is a crime of the 2nd degree. When there are aggravating factors involved it can become a crime of the 1st degree, such as driving while intoxicated, having a suspended license, and having a warrant out for ones arrest.
N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2b is Eluding, it is the means in which one would attempt to flee from the police while directed to stop their vehicle or vessel. Generally it is a crime of the 3rd degree, except that, a person is guilty of a crime of the second degree if the flight or attempt to elude creates a risk of death or injury to any person. If found guilty a person is looking at up to 5 years in state prison for a crime of the 3rd degree, or 5 to 10 years in state prison for a crime of the 2nd degree.
N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5 is Unlawful Possession of a weapon, is a crime of the 2nd or 3rd degree. If found guilty the state prison sentence can range from 5 to 20 years in state prison.
