EAST WINDSOR, N.J. – A man charged in a deadly East Windsor hit-and-run that killed one pedestrian and critically injured another has been arrested by federal immigration officers.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Newark arrested Herman Johel Santos-Morales on Aug. 19. ICE identified Santos-Morales as a Honduran national unlawfully present in the United States.
The federal arrest came 10 days after a fatal crash at Route 33 and Probasco Road in East Windsor Township. Local police had previously arrested Santos-Morales on multiple charges and transferred him to the Mercer County Correctional Facility.
Two Pedestrians Struck on Route 33
East Windsor Township Police responded to Route 33 and Probasco Road at approximately 10:59 p.m. Aug. 9 for a crash involving two pedestrians.
Investigators said a 2013 Chrysler 300 was traveling westbound in the center lane of Route 33 when it struck the two men as they crossed the highway at Probasco Road.
Police said the driver left the scene without remaining there or reporting the crash.
- A 37-year-old East Windsor man died after being struck on Route 33.
- A 21-year-old Spotswood man was critically injured in the same crash.
- ICE arrested Santos-Morales on Aug. 19 and identified him as a Honduran national unlawfully present in the United States.
The 37-year-old victim was transported to Princeton Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Subsequent reporting identified him as Otoniel Hernandez-Gutierrez.
What happened to the second pedestrian?
The 21-year-old Spotswood man suffered significant injuries and was taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in critical condition following the crash.
Police Track Down Chrysler After Fatal Crash
East Windsor detectives continued investigating after the Chrysler left Route 33.
Police subsequently located the vehicle and arrested Santos-Morales in connection with the crash. He was then transferred to the Mercer County Correctional Facility.
Santos-Morales faces charges of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, endangering an injured victim and causing death while driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license.
He was also charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury and causing serious bodily injury while driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license.
What charges does Herman Santos-Morales face?
The charges cover both pedestrians and include offenses related to leaving the scene, the death of one victim, the serious injuries suffered by the other victim and allegedly driving while his license was suspended or revoked.
ICE Arrests Santos-Morales 10 Days Later
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said its ERO Newark officers arrested Santos-Morales on Aug. 19.
The agency identified him by his full name, Herman Johel Santos-Morales, and said he is a Honduran national unlawfully present in the United States.
When did ICE arrest Santos-Morales?
ERO Newark arrested Santos-Morales on Aug. 19, according to ICE, 10 days after the Aug. 9 crash in East Windsor Township.
The New Jersey criminal charges remain accusations. Santos-Morales is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Sources: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ERO Newark statement; East Windsor Township Police Department, fatal crash investigation and arrest information
