Hit-And-Run Driver Faces More Charges In Fatal Route 202 Crash: Prosecutor

RARITAN, NJ — An 18-year-old hit-and-run driver is facing more charges in connection with the fatal Route 202 crash on July 27 that claimed the life of a Bridgewater woman.

Siddartha Prasad Surapanani, 18, of Belle Mead, is now facing an additional charge of second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, said Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Chief Meredith McKay.

Surapanani is also charged with second-degree vehicular homicide.

The Affidavit of Probable Cause obtained by Patch details the events leading up to the crash and the foot chase of Surapanani.

On July 27 at around 6:29 a.m., Raritan Borough Police went to the intersection of Route 202 and 1st Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle accident with a red Genesis SUV and a Silver Acura MDX.

The Genesis had front-end damage, and the Acura had significant driver's side damage, according to court docs.

Eyewitnesses reportedly told police the driver of the Genesis, later identified as Surapanani, got out of his vehicle after the crash and ran.

Officers searched and found Surapanani in a backyard on Lynwood Drive, where he reportedly ran away again.

Surapanani crossed over Route 28 towards the Raritan Valley Country Club, where he was caught by officers, according to court documents.

He was then taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

After the crash, police canvassed the area for video and reportedly found footage of the Genesis driving at high speed on Route 202.

More footage reportedly documented that the Genesis crossed over the median and was driving on the opposite side of Route 202 in the wrong direction.

Police also reportedly found tire marks in the grassy median, supporting what the video had shown.

Video surveillance also showed that the Genesis crossed over the intersection of Route 202 and 1st Avenue in Raritan, against a red light, where it hit the driver's side of a Silver Acura, according to court documents.

The Genesis continued to push the Acura into the southbound side of Route 202, where both vehicles came to final rest, according to documents.

The driver of the Acura, a female resident of Bridgewater, was
pronounced dead at the scene.

"We have not released the name of the victim yet, other than a 44-year-old female Bridgewater resident," said authorities.

Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at 908-231-7100 or the Raritan Police Department at 908-725-6700 or via the STOPit app.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) or SCPO.TIPS. All anonymous STOPit reports, and tips will be kept confidential.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.