ICYMI - A motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Greenbrook Road and Duer Street lead to an arrest

NORTH PLAINFIELD, N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., and North Plainfield Chief of Police Alan McKay announced the arrest of Kavon Powell-Coleman, age 35, Plainfield, New Jersey for vehicular homicide resulting from a motor vehicle accident that occurred in North Plainfield on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at approximately 1:16 p.m. officers from the North Plainfield Police Department responded to a 9-1-1 call for a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Greenbrook Road and Duer Street. Upon arrival, officers observed a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee in the middle of Greenbrook Road and a 2014 Ford F150 pick-up truck on the front lawn of a residence on Duer Street. The driver of the F150 sustained minor injuries and refused medical treatment. The driver of the Jeep Cherokee identified as Kavon Powell-Coleman also sustained minor injuries and refused medical attention at the scene. The front passenger and rear passenger of the Ford F150 pick-up truck were transported to an area hospital for injuries sustained in the crash. The driver of the Ford F150 stated to officers he was driving west on Greenbrook Road with his two passengers when he was struck at the intersection.

On Friday, March 7, 2025, notification was made to the North Plainfield Police Department that the rear passenger of the Ford F150, Victor Manuel Amaya Ramos, age 68, of Bridgewater, New Jersey had died from injuries sustained in the motor vehicle crash.

An investigation was conducted by members of the Somerset County Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART), members of the North Plainfield Police Department Traffic Safety Division and detectives from the Somerset County Proseuctor’s Office Major Crimes Unit. As a result of this investigation, detectives were able to determine from surveillance video that the driver of the Jeep Cherokee, Kavon Powell-Coleman was travelling down Duer Street toward Greenbrook Road at a high rate of speed. The posted speed limit on Duer Street is 25 mph. A few seconds later, a loud bang is heard consistent with a crash. Duer Street has a posted stop sign at the intersection, Greenbrook Road does not.

On Friday, March 13, 2025, Prosecutor McDonald stated Kavon Powell-Coleman was arrested in Somerville, New Jersey and charged with 2nd degree Vehicular Homicide and 4th degree Assault by Auto. Defendant Powell-Coleman was also issued various motor vehicle summonses by the North Plainfield Police Department at the time of the accident. Defendant Powell-Coleman was processed and lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a hearing on this matter.

Prosecutor McDonald, Chief Roman, and Chief McKay request anyone with information relating to this incident to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the North Plainfield Police Department at (908) 769-2900 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

NOTE: The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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