Truck Driver Sentenced for Fatal Crash on Route 23 in Pequannock

Published on October 30, 2023

Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Pequannock Township Police Chief Daniel Comune announce Angel Caraballo-Maldona, 45, of Newark, has been sentenced in connection with a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred in Pequannock Township on May 8, 2023.

On October 27, 2023, the Honorable Ralph E. Amirata, J.S.C. imposed a sentence of four years in New Jersey State Prison subject to 85% parole ineligibility pursuant to the No Early Release Act. Caraballo-Maldona had previously entered a guilty plea to second degree Reckless Vehicular Homicide before Judge Amirata on August 29, 2023. 

The conviction arises from a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred in Pequannock Township on May 8, 2023. At approximately 5:18 a.m., law enforcement officers were dispatched to the scene of a motor vehicle collision involving a 2020 Chevy Traverse and a garbage truck at the intersection of Route 23 North and Alexander Avenue in Pequannock Township. The investigation revealed the Traverse was stopped at a red light when it was struck from behind by a garbage truck. As a result, the Traverse caught fire. The unconscious Traverse driver was pulled from the vehicle by the garbage truck driver and a bystander. Rescue efforts were unsuccessfully attempted by patrol officers and medical personnel, and the Traverse driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Video surveillance revealed Caraballo-Maldona was utilizing his cell phone at the time of the crash, and he was subsequently charged with second degree Reckless Vehicular Homicide.

Numerous law enforcement agencies contributed to the prosecution, including members of the Pequannock Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

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