2 killed in Somerset crash involving DWI off-duty officer

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — A 29-year-old man was charged after a crash Sunday morning in Franklin Township’s Somerset area that claimed the lives of two people, reports Daily Voice.

The Somerset County Prosecutor’s office said the fatal wreck occurred on Somerset Street (Route 27) near Voorhees Avenue, on August 27, at about 6:20 a.m.

A preliminary investigation indicates that Amitoj Oberoi, a Somerset resident employed as an Edison police officer, was off-duty while driving a 2007 Audi Q7 southbound on the road. At one point, the vehicle veered off the roadway and collided with multiple trees, lamp posts, and then a utility pole.

One of his passengers, 24-year-old Carlos A. Perez-Gaytan, also of Somerset, was ejected from the back-right seat. Another passenger, 20-year-old Victor Cabrera-Francisco, of North Brunswick, was left trapped in the wreckage and had to be extricated. Both victims succumbed to their injuries at the scene, confirmed officials.

First responders transported Oberoi to an area trauma center, where he was listed in stable condition.

Authorities said the front-seat passenger, a 29-year-old man from Highland Park, declined medical attention for minor injuries.

An investigation remains underway, but it has been determined that Oberoi was driving at a high rate of speed just before the crash. His alcohol level at the time also demonstrated to be over the legal BAC limit.

Oberoi is expected to be transported to Somerset County Jail for processing and to appear at a detention hearing upon his release from the trauma center.