BREAKING: A New York driver has been arrested and charged in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash on a New Jersey expressway that resulted in the tragic death of a trucker. Authorities report that Antoni E. Xicay Mazariegos, 24, from Nanuet, New York, struck Marshall Vizinat, 57, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, while he was standing on the shoulder of Interstate 78 in Readington Township on September 29, 2023, at approximately 7:55 p.m.
Officials from the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Vizinat was standing outside his truck when he was hit. Emergency responders, including off-duty medical personnel, rushed him to Hunterdon Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
During the investigation, New Jersey State Police identified a pickup truck with a trailer as the vehicle that fled the scene. Investigators later located Mazariegos, who was found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Following the initial incident, he continued driving westbound before crashing into another vehicle as he exited Interstate 78 in Tewksbury Township.
Mazariegos now faces serious charges, including second-degree death by auto, second-degree leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, and third-degree strict liability vehicular homicide. After his first court appearance, he was released and placed under pretrial monitoring with conditions.
This incident raises urgent concerns about road safety and the consequences of driving under the influence. As investigators continue to gather evidence, the community mourns the loss of Vizinat, underscoring the human impact of such reckless behavior.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information related to this incident to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, and updates are expected soon as this story develops.
