Driver Who Killed NJ Tow Truck Worker Criminally Charged, Officials Say

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — The man behind the wheel of a car that killed a tow truck driver on the side of the road last year has been criminally charged, officials said.

Pierre Innocent, 54, of Orange, was charged with vehicular manslaughter nearly a year after a tow truck driver was killed on I-287 while on-the-job.

On July 2, 2025, police were called just north of Exit 30, North Maple Avenue, in Harding Township on reports of an accident.

Authorities discovered that a Ram tow truck driver, later identified as Daniel "DJ" Ortiz, 24, from Hopatcong, was assisting a disabled Honda on the side of the road when a Jeep Cherokee struck him in the shoulder of the roadway.

Ortiz sustained "serious injuries" from the crash. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds, police said.

Innocent, who was behind the wheel of the Jeep, sustained minor injuries.

The tragedy prompted Ortiz’s employers, Ron and Sons Towing, based in Kenvil, to launch a campaign reminding drivers of the dangers roadside workers face every day.

The company’s efforts led to digital signs on New Jersey highways flashing with “Move Over For Emergency Vehicles” warnings, something Ron and Sons had been pushing state officials on for months.

Read More: NJ Tow Truck Driver’s 'Careless' Death Renews Safety Struggle

Investigators determined that Innocent had violated Eileen’s Law — failure to maintain a lane of travel may give rise to an inference that an individual was driving recklessly under the Vehicular Homicide statute.

Following the criminal charge, Innocent was released on pre-trial monitoring under the conditions that he forfeit his passport, not drive a motor vehicle, and avoid contact with Ortiz’s next of kin.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family, friends and co-workers,” said Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll. “We remind the public that slowing down and moving over when approaching emergency vehicles on the roadway can save lives.”

Previous Coverage:

• Sussex Co. Tow Truck Operator, 24, Killed In I-287 Crash, Officials Say
• GoFundMe Launched For Tow Truck Driver Killed On I-287
• NJ Tow Truck Driver’s 'Careless' Death Renews Safety Struggle