Somerville, NJ — Newly released 911 audio captures the frantic moments after a crash involving Somerset County Chief of Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., who was later charged with driving under the influence after authorities said his SUV slammed into multiple vehicles in downtown Somerville.
The March 24 emergency call begins with a shaken driver telling dispatchers an SUV “slammed into” his parked Mercedes-Benz near 14 East Main Street. The caller said his wife, a 62-year-old passenger, suffered neck and back pain after the impact.
“We have an SUV who slammed into the park while I was parked,” the caller told the dispatcher before describing the scene moments later: “He was fucking flying.”
According to the caller, the SUV also struck at least two additional vehicles during the crash.
DUI charges followed late-night crash
Roman, 54, was charged shortly after midnight with operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs and careless driving, according to court records first reported by NJ.com.
The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office later confirmed Deputy Chief Meredith McKay had been appointed acting chief of detectives following Roman’s arrest.
In the 911 recording, the caller can be heard trying to assess his wife’s injuries while emergency responders rushed to the scene.
“What are you hurting from, hon?” he asks.
“Her neck, her whole back,” he later tells dispatchers.
The caller also said he was injured and “shaking up” after the collision.
Key Points
• Newly released 911 audio describes SUV “flying” before crashing into multiple vehicles
• Somerset County Chief of Detectives Francisco Roman Jr. faces DUI and careless driving charges
• Prosecutor’s office appointed an acting chief while the investigation continues
Caller described violent impact
The dispatcher repeatedly asked whether the SUV remained at the scene and whether additional injuries were reported.
“We’re in the Mercedes-Benz, and the car that hit us lost his wheel,” the caller said during the recording.
When asked about the vehicle involved, the caller described it as a black SUV but said he could not immediately identify the make because of the damage and confusion after the crash.
Emergency responders arrived while the call remained active.
“Cops are in here. All right, there, I see the blue lights,” the caller said moments before the recording ended.
Authorities have not publicly released additional details about the condition of the injured victims.
Outside prosecutor now leading investigation
Because Roman served as the top detective in Somerset County, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office was assigned to handle the investigation to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
In a statement, Somerset County prosecutors said Roman “fully cooperated” with Somerville police officers following the crash.
Megan Knab, a spokesperson for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, said the investigation remains ongoing and declined to release additional details.
Officials have also not clarified whether Roman remains employed by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office in another capacity while the criminal case proceeds.
Roman declined to comment when contacted following his arrest.
Veteran law enforcement career now under scrutiny
Roman spent more than 25 years in law enforcement and joined the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office as a detective in 2000. He was promoted to chief of detectives in 2023, according to the agency’s website.
The release of the 911 audio adds new public scrutiny to the case as prosecutors continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the crash and Roman’s alleged impairment.
