Driver Wanted In Fatal I-287 Crash In Bridgewater: Prosecutor

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A man wanted in connection with a fatal crash on Interstate 287 in Bridgewater was named the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office(SCPO) Fugitive of the Month for December.

Felipe A. Exposito-Sanchez is wanted by the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office for failure to appear (FTA) for a first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree death by auto, three counts of second-degree aggravated assault, three counts of third-degree assault by auto, and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, all of which occurred in Bridgewater.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

On July 11, 2023, at around 7:30 p.m., Exposito-Sanchez, who was 24 at the time, from Linden,was driving an Infiniti passenger car on I-287 South at milepost 18.4, according to New Jersey State Police(NJSP).

Exposito-Sanchez drove off the left side of the highway to improperly pass a Nissan, said NJSP Sgt. Philip Curry at the time.

After getting back on the highway, the Exposito-Sanchez hit the left front of the Nissan, said Curry.

After the initial impact, Exposito-Sanchez drove across all lanes, ran off the highway to the right, and drove up an embankment before hitting multiple trees, said Curry.

The driver of the Nissan was not injured as a result of the crash.

Felipe Exposito-Sanchez had serious injuries. His passenger, Lissanne Reyes Mejia, 35, of Perth Amboy, died from her injuries.

Three other passengers in the Infiniti also sustained serious injuries.

The SCPO released the following information on Exposito-Sanchez:

• Date of birth: 06/27/1999
• Height: 5'6
• Weight: 170
• Hair: Black
• Eyes: Brown
• Tattoos: Multiple - abdomen, left arm, chest
• Last known address: Linden

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of this individual should contact the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Fugitive Unit. You should not take any police action yourself other than to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Fugitive Unit at 908-231-7100 or via the STOPit app.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers' Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477).

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