Executive Summary
- George Linard, a 24-year-old U.K. citizen, is charged with second-degree death by auto after a fatal crash in West Deptford, New Jersey.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer against Linard, who had been previously removed from the country.
- The crash occurred after Linard allegedly fled from police at high speed and ran a red light, killing the driver of another vehicle.
- Linard also faces unrelated drug and money laundering charges in Bergen County, according to authorities.
A citizen of the United Kingdom who had been previously removed from the United States is now facing a charge of death by auto and an immigration detainer following a fatal vehicle crash in Gloucester County, New Jersey. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer against George Linard, 24, who is being held at the Salem County Correctional Facility.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening when West Deptford police responded to a report of two intoxicated men at a gas station. According to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, officers spotted a vehicle matching the description, which then “quickly departed” at a high rate of speed. Police initiated a pursuit with emergency lights activated.
Authorities state that at the intersection of Hessian and Red Bank avenues, Linard’s vehicle disregarded a red light and struck the driver’s side of a Honda Accord. The driver of the Honda was killed in the collision. A passenger in the Honda sustained a broken leg, while two occupants of a third vehicle that was struck, a Toyota Rav4, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Linard and his passenger also sustained significant injuries.
Linard was charged with second-degree death by auto and two counts of fourth-degree assault by auto. An ICE spokesperson confirmed Linard uses multiple aliases, including Steve Peker, and had identified himself to police as Steve Hall after the crash. Officials also noted that Linard is wanted on separate, unrelated drug and money laundering charges in Bergen County.
Harley D. Breite, Linard’s attorney, commented on the case, stating, “Obviously, this is a horrific incident. And we look forward to obtaining all of the facts and understanding the responsibility the police had in preventing what occurred.” It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.