Police Call On Public's Help After DUI Crash That Killed Cyclist In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ - Police are again asking for witnesses to a crash that left a bicyclist dead after he was hit by a drunk driver earlier this month.

On Monday, Aug 4., Anthony Ramirez Velazquez, 20 of Perth Amboy, was driving a 2016 Acura IDX eastbound in the 1000 block of W. North Avenue when he crossed into the other lane and hit a 2022 Ford Transit. The van then flipped on its side, and crushed a cyclist who was riding along the side of the road. The 71-year-old man died at the scene from multiple traumatic injuries.

According to Westfield Police, Ramirez Velazquez was initially arrested at the site of the crash for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was taken to the Essex County Jail, and is charged with second-degree Death by Auto, third-degree Assault by Auto and fourth-degree Assault by Auto.

He now faces the following:

• Between five and 10 years in a state prison and a fine of up to $150,000 on the second-degree crime
• A sentence of between three and five years in a state prison and a fine of up to $15,000 on the third-degree crime
• Up to 18 months in a state prison, and a fine of up to $10,000 for the fourth-degree crime

No other injuries were reported following the crash.

The Westfield Police Department is looking for witnesses who may have seen the multi-vehicle scene, or who were in the nearby area, at around 10 a.m. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Gregory Penn at 908-789-6068 or gpenn@wpdnj.org.

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