Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that
James A. Sterling, 29, of Elizabeth has been charged with aggravated
manslaughter for the death of Keith Chipepo, 30, of Montclair.
The fatal collision occurred in the vicinity of South Orange Avenue and South 9th Street in Newark.
It all started with a deadly shooting, then was followed by an ambulance crash and also a car crash involving two police cruisers. Mayhem ensued in the West ward of Newark, when a Chrysler Pacifica hit an ambulance and triggered a chain reaction that ended with 1 person dead and numerous injuries.
Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray reported a food truck and also an Essex County transportation truck were hit in the melee.
In the end, two people lost their lives.
Keith Chipepo worked for the ambulance company and was killed when his vehicle was hit by Sterling. Sterling was charged with eluding, aggravated assault and driving with a suspended license and causing death and bodily injury, and is being hospitalized for his injuries. His bail is set at $300,00.
Sterling was also charged with eluding, aggravated assault, driving while suspended and causing death, and causing bodily injury while suspended.
Bail was set at $300,000 by Hon. Michael A. Petrolle, J.S.C.
The two police cruisers involved in this incident crashed while on their way to assist victims at the scene.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about today's shooting to call the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-847-7432.
These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they plead guilty or are found guilty in a court of law.
