Driver surrenders in hit-and-run death of NYPD cop
NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - The driver of a car that allegedly struck and killed an off-duty NYPD officer on the New Jersey Turnpike early Sunday morning has turned himself into authorities.
Authorities charged William Espinal-Mejia, 35, of Linden, with second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident. He surrendered to New Jersey State Police in Newark on Monday.
NYPD Police Officer Vincent Harrison, 25, was involved in an accident between exit 13 and 14A in Elizabeth at around 3 a.m. Sunday.
"The investigation, which remains ongoing, revealed that Harrison had been operating a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze when he changed lanes and collided with a 2003 Ford Escape," State Police said in a statement. "Harrison's vehicle came to rest on the right shoulder of the highway, while the Ford was disabled in the right lanes."
Harrison then got out of his car and was struck and killed by an Infiniti EX35 driven by Espinal-Mejia, police said. Espinal-Mejia stopped briefly but then drove off, police said.
Officer Harrison was pronounced dead at the scene. State Police are also investigating a report that Harrison had drawn his weapon during an argument with the drive of Escape when he was hit.
Espinal-Mejia is being held at Union County Jail on $100,000 bail.