UK Man Behind Fatal Crash In West Deptford Provided Fake Name: Authorities

WEST DEPTFORD, NJ — The United Kingdom resident accused of causing a fatal crash while fleeing West Deptford police is facing new charges after authorities say he presented a fake ID.

The suspect presented an ID with the name "Steve Hall," age 28, authorities said. But on Wednesday, investigators determined he is actually George Linard, 24, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.

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Furthermore, Linard is wanted by the Bergen County Sheriff's Department for failing to appear on a pending criminal indictment alleging drug possession, money laundering, and possessing a false government ID, officials said.

Linard has been in custody since Monday, when he was charged on a warrant one day after the West Deptford crash that killed a person and seriously injured several others, authorities said.

The suspect is a U.K. resident, authorities said. It's unclear when and why he entered the United States.

Linard's initial charges in Bergen County arose in September 2024. He was indicted in April, according to online court records. He was also ticketed Oct. 29 in Burlington County for windshield violations and failing to obey traffic signs and signals, records show.

On Sunday, police responded to PNS Gas and Food Mart for a report of two intoxicated men, prosecutors said. At the location, the officers saw a white vehicle that matched the caller's description.

The vehicle left the gas station and got onto Hessian Road, authorities said. A West Deptford officer activated the emergency lights on their marked police car and tried to pull them over, prosecutors said.

The driver — later identified as Linard — sped away and crossed onto the wrong side of the road before hitting another car near the intersection with Red Bank Avenue, authorities said.

The driver of the other vehicle died in the crash, and their rear-seat passenger fractured their leg, according to prosecutors. Linard also sustained serious injuries, and his front-seat passenger suffered a dislocated hip.

Authorities haven't released the deceased driver's name as of Thursday. But the mother of one of the injured victims says they were driving for Uber.

Linard has been charged with second-degree death by auto, fourth-degree possessing a fraudulent government license, and two counts of fourth-degree assault by auto.

The suspect remains detained at the Salem County Correctional Facility, which provides jailing services for Gloucester County. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday.

Linard's attorney, Harley D. Breite, called the incident a "tragic situation."

"When all of the facts, including the police officers' responsibility, come to light, we will be in a better position for an honest and clear evaluation," Breite told Patch.

The state Attorney General's Office is also investigating the incident, since it involves an encounter with law enforcement.