The Alternative Press

WESTFIELD, NJ - The two motorists who were involved in a January accident that killed a Scotch Plains woman were served with additional charges earlier today, according to an announcement made by Union County First Assistant Prosecutor Albert Cernadas, Jr.

According to the investigation, around 6:05 p.m. on Jan. 26, a car driven by Patricia Currie, 68, of Scotch Plains was passing through the intersection of North Avenue at Tuttle Parkway when it appears she grazed a pedestrian as he crossed the street, said Cernadas. Currie immediately stopped and offered assistance to the man, attempting leading him across the street. Witnesses reported that as the two walked across the road, a Chevy Cavalier, driven by Charles Casiere of Westfield, struck the pair causing injuries and propelling them several yards down North Avenue.

Almost immediately after, a second vehicle driven by John Diaz of Westfield also struck Currie, who was now in the roadway, said Cernadas.

Currie was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead a short time later. The male pedestrian was transported to University Hospital in Newark for treatment.

Previously, Casiere, who stopped at the scene, was charged with driving while intoxicated, failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, and reckless sriving. Diaz was charged with driving while intoxicated, failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, failure to report an accident and reckless driving.

Today, Casiere was charged with second degree vehicular homicide and assault by auto. Union County Superior Court Judge Scott J. Moynihan set Casiere's bail at $50,000 with a condition of bail that he have interlock on any car he drives. Diaz was charged with second degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident. His bail was set at $25,000 with a condition of bail that he have interlock on any car he drives.

Both men surrendered to the Westfield police station earlier today and posted bail.