By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities in Morris County announced charges in connection with a fatal crash on Route 287 South in Harding Township that claimed the life of a young tow truck operator last summer.
According to Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, the crash occurred on the afternoon of July 2, 2025, near mile marker 31.4 on Interstate 287 South.
A preliminary investigation by the New Jersey State Police revealed that a tow truck had pulled onto the shoulder to assist a disabled vehicle when it was struck by a 2019 Jeep Cherokee.
Investigators said the Jeep then rolled over and came to rest on its roof after allegedly striking the tow truck operator on the shoulder of the highway.
The tow truck operator, identified as Daniel “DJ” Ortiz, 24, of Hopatcong, suffered serious injuries and later died.
The driver of the Jeep, identified as Pierre Innocent, 54, of Orange, was also taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Officials announced that Innocent has now been charged with second-degree reckless vehicular homicide under New Jersey law.
Authorities said that under “Eileen’s Law,” enacted in 2018, failing to maintain a lane of travel when approaching emergency or roadside service vehicles may support an inference of reckless driving under the state’s vehicular homicide statute.
According to prosecutors, Innocent was released under Level Two pretrial supervision with several conditions, including surrendering his passport, signing a waiver of extradition, refraining from operating a motor vehicle during the pretrial period, and having no contact with the victim’s family.
The investigation was conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Investigation Unit.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family, friends and co-workers,” Prosecutor Carroll said in a statement.