FREEHOLD, NJ – A Monmouth County Grand Jury has indicted a Brick Township man accused of causing a fatal head-on collision while driving the wrong way on the Garden State Parkway last year.
Prosecutors announced that 24-year-old Deryn R. Gomez has been charged with second-degree vehicular homicide in connection with the October 2024 crash that claimed the life of a 28-year-old woman.
The collision occurred around 4:20 a.m. near milepost 102.8 in Tinton Falls, when Gomez’s vehicle was traveling north in the southbound lanes.
Key Points
- Deryn R. Gomez, 24, of Brick Township, was indicted for second-degree vehicular homicide.
- Prosecutors say Gomez was driving north in the southbound lanes of the Garden State Parkway.
- The crash killed 28-year-old Priscilla Gladden-Pertuz of Paterson.
Investigation found driver going the wrong way
According to investigators from the New Jersey State Police and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau, Gomez was operating a 2013 Honda Accord when it collided head-on with a 2002 Honda Civic driven by Priscilla Gladden-Pertuz.
After the initial impact, both vehicles were struck by a southbound 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. Gladden-Pertuz was pronounced dead at the scene.
Prosecutors cite intoxication and reckless driving
Authorities said Gomez was issued motor vehicle summonses for driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, and driving against traffic following the crash.
The case is being handled by Assistant Prosecutor Caitlin J. Sidley of the Major Crimes Bureau. Gomez is represented by attorney John J. Bruno of Rutherford.
Prosecutors emphasized that Gomez remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
