Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : 21-Year-Old Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Fatal Crash in Old Bridge
OLD BRIDGE, NJ — In a tragic incident that occurred last year, a 21-year-old man who led police on a high-speed chase up Rt. 9 was sentenced this week to 12 years in prison. Samuel Villar, a resident of Somerset, was involved in a fatal crash that claimed the life of a man and left his family seriously injured.
The incident took place on November 9, 2022, in Old Bridge. Marlboro Township Police were pursuing Villar and his companions, who were wanted for questioning in connection with an attempted car theft in Marlboro. The chase unfolded in the early hours of the morning, with Villar recklessly maneuvering through traffic and running multiple red lights.
Tragically, near the intersection of Spring Valley Road, Villar’s car collided with several vehicles, including the one driven by Arturo Tlapa Luna, a 33-year-old resident of Freehold. Luna was traveling with his wife, Maria, their two children, and his father when the crash occurred. Luna lost his life in the collision, and his family members sustained serious injuries.
Villar pleaded guilty on June 14 of this year to various charges, including first-degree aggravated manslaughter, four counts of second-degree aggravated assault, and eluding. As part of his sentencing, Villar will have to serve 85 percent of his 12-year prison term before becoming eligible for parole. Additionally, he will be placed under parole supervision for five years following his release, and his driver’s license will be revoked for two years.
This tragic incident has left a lasting impact on the victims’ families and the community. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the consequences of reckless behavior and the importance of responsible driving.
For more information on this story, you can refer to prior reporting by Patch, which includes audio and video footage related to the fatal police chase probe.
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