Fugitive in Ocean County Fatal Crash Surrenders in Texas

A man from Ocean County who was wanted in connection to a fatal crash back in December has surrendered to law enforcement in Laredo, TX.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer says on Wednesday, 27-year-old Roberto Alcazar-Sanchez of Jackson, surrendered to United States Customs and Border Patrol Protection Agents.

Alcazar-Sanchez is currently being held in Webb County, TX, Detention Center where he must quarantine for seven to ten days due to COVID-19 restrictions.

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Billhimer's office says,

On December 24, 2020, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Officers of the Jackson Township Police Department were summoned to the area of Cedar Swap Road and I-195 for a report of a motor vehicle crash with serious injuries. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Jackson Township Police Department revealed that a 2010 Mercedes Benz, driven by Norman Shtab, 83, of Howell Township, was exiting I-195 at Exit 21. His wife, Phyllis Shtab, 81, also of Howell, was a passenger in the vehicle. As Mr. Shtab was attempting to make a left-hand turn onto Cedar Swap Road, his vehicle collided with a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado.

Mr. and Mrs. Shtab were transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune Township following the crash. Mr. Shtab was treated for his injuries and later released. On December 26, 2020, Mrs. Shtab succumbed to the injuries she sustained as a result of the crash, and was pronounced deceased at Jersey Shore Medical Center on that date.

The passenger in the Silverado, Jose Misael Pementel-Mendoza, 30, of Wrightstown, was likewise transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center following the crash; he was treated for his injuries and released. The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado – identified through continuing investigation as Alcazar-Sanchez – fled the scene on foot. Further investigation revealed that Alcazar-Sanchez then fled the United States and traveled to Mexico.

On December 30th, a warrant was issued for Alcazar-Sanchez's arrest; he was charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death as well as Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Driver’s License while being involved in a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death.

Additionally, Alcazar-Sanchez’s girlfriend, 27-year-old Reyna Mendez of Jackson, was questioned by law enforcement about this incident. Cops determined she provided false information and she has been charged with Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution.

Billhimer said in a statement, "I am extremely grateful for the cooperative efforts of our law enforcement partners at the local, county, state, and federal levels in connection with this very thorough and intensive investigation. Knowing full well that he was being relentlessly pursued by multiple law enforcement agencies for more than two months, Alcazar-Sanchez really had no alternative but to surrender himself to the authorities. Soon, he will be returned to Ocean County where he will face justice."