Prosecutor: Suspended and drunk NJ driver with open tequila bottle pinned man between cars, killing him

⚖️ Mercer County man faces vehicular homicide charges after deadly crash.

⚖️ Prosecutors said the driver was under the influence and had a suspended license.

⚖️ Pennsylvania man died after being pinned between vehicles.

SOUTH BRUNSWICK — A Mercer County man accused of driving drunk and on a suspended license at the time of a deadly crash has been criminally charged for a three-vehicle wreck.

On Monday, Darnell Ingram was charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and third-degree counts of assault by auto and causing death while operating a motor vehicle while suspended.

Officers at the scene found an open bottle of tequila on the floor of the passenger side of Ingram's car — and a partly smoked marijuana cigarette resting in the center console, according to an affidavit filed by investigators.

The 45-year-old Trenton resident was also charged with fourth-degree causing serious bodily injury while operating a motor vehicle while suspended and driving under the influence.

South Brunswick Police were called to a 2 a.m. crash on April 19 along Route 1 at the intersection of Ridge Road.

Officers found that a 2025 Toyota Camry driven by a Jersey City woman was rear-ended by a 2012 Lexus SUV as both were headed north on the highway.

The Camry’s driver and passenger got out along with the SUV driver, 53-year-old Leonid Tubert, of Chester, Pennsylvania.

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Prosecutors say Mercer County driver was intoxicated and suspended

Officials said as the trio stood near their vehicles, Ingram crashed his 2016 Lexus sedan into the back of the other Lexus, pinning Tubert.

Tubert was rushed to a hospital and died of critical injuries, while Ingram was also seriously hurt, according to police.

Officials said Ingram underwent toxicological tests following the crash. His arrest followed the return of those results.

South Brunswick police seek additional witnesses in deadly crash case

Ingram was released on strict home detention conditions, pending his trial.

Anyone with potential case information is asked to call Officer James Kraivec of the South Brunswick Police Department at 732-329-4000 or Detective James Alleva of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-4011.