Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Police Director Eugene Venable announced today that Andre Price, 27, of Newark has been charged with aggravated assault by auto and leaving the scene of crash with serious bodily injury. After being treated at University Hospital, Price is scheduled to be transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility. The Honorable Michael Ravin, Judge of the Superior Court, has set bail at $75,000. Shortly before 2 a.m. today a New Jersey Transit bus was traveling north on South 8th Street when it was involved in a collision with a 1998 Cadillac Eldorado that was traveling east on Central Avenue. At least six people were injured and the bus driver. They were also taken to University Hospital, suffering from non-life threatening injuries. Price, the driver of the Cadillac, initially fled the scene of the collision and was later found at a nearby gas station. His passenger, a 39-year-old man, is hospitalized in critical condition. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office obtained a search warrant to take blood from the driver of the Cadillac. At this time he has not be charged with driving while under the influence.
The investigation is continuing and additional charges are possible. Additional information will be released as soon as it becomes available.