Driver Charged In Fatal Howell Crash On Christmas Eve

HOWELL, NJ — A 27-year-old man was indicted Wednesday on charges related to a car crash that fatally injured an 81-year-old woman from Howell last year on Christmas Eve, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

Roberto Alcazar-Sanchez, from Jackson, was charged with knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended driver’s license while being involved in a motor vehicle accident and possession of cocaine.

The crash happened on Cedar Swap Road and Interstate 195 around 6 p.m. Dec. 24. The woman, Phyllis Shtab, was in the car with her husband, Norman, who was behind the wheel. The couple were on their way to a Christmas Eve dinner, according to the Asbury Park Press.

As they were exiting I-195, they crashed with a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Alcazar-Sanchez, police said. Alcazar-Sanchez ran away, according to the prosecutor's office. The couple was taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune Township. Norman Shtab was treated for serious injuries; Phyllis Shtab never recovered and was pronounced dead Dec. 26.

Authorities said officers found a bag of white powder, which tested positive for cocaine, on Alcazar-Sanchez's car. A warrant was issued for his arrest Dec. 30.

Alcazar-Sanchez fled the United States and traveled to Mexico, authorities said. On March 3, he surrendered to United States Customs and Border Patrol Protection agents in Laredo, Texas. He was extradited back to Ocean County on March 31 and has remained lodged in the Ocean County Jail.

During the investigation, Alcazar-Sanchez’s girlfriend, Reyna Mendez, 27, of Jackson, was questioned and authorities said she gave false information to detectives. She was charged with hindering apprehension or prosecution.