New York man arrested for enabling 15-year-old to drive car in fatal New Jersey crash.
A 21-year-old man from Elmira, New York, has been arrested in connection with a tragic car accident that resulted in the death of a teenager in New Jersey. The incident occurred in the early hours of February 28, 2025, on the Palisades Interstate Parkway, just near the state line, as reported by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene shortly before 6 a.m. following reports of a collision between a 2025 Nissan Rogue, which was carrying five occupants, and a 2019 Honda CR-V driven by a lone passenger, who fortunately emerged unscathed. The Rogue was driven by a 15-year-old, who has not been identified, while a 16-year-old passenger from New York suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Additionally, two other passengers in the Nissan Rogue sustained serious injuries, and the teenage driver faced minor injuries.
Investigators found that the teenage driver of the Rogue had been operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s license and exhibited reckless driving behaviors, including traveling at a high speed prior to the crash. Law enforcement officials arrested the teenager in March on multiple charges, which included vehicular homicide and operating a motor vehicle without a license, among others.
The arrested adult, Ryan Chambers, was the sole adult in the vehicle at the time of the incident. He has been charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly permitting the minor to drive. Chambers was apprehended in Elmira Heights and has since been transferred back to Bergen County, where he is being held at the county jail awaiting a detention hearing.
This incident underscores the significant dangers associated with underage and unlicensed driving, particularly as it involves the welfare of minors. Authorities are continuing their investigation into this tragic event, seeking to ensure that justice is served, while highlighting the serious consequences of reckless driving and negligence on the road.
As communities grapple with such incidents, the importance of responsible vehicle operation and strict adherence to traffic laws becomes strikingly evident. Law enforcement agencies are urging parents and guardians to educate minors on the critical responsibilities that come with driving, as well as the potential ramifications of reckless behavior behind the wheel.
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