Truck Driver Charged in Deadly NJ Crash

Prosecutors in New Jersey have filed aggravated manslaughter charges against a Pennsylvania trucker who they say was sleep-deprived and driving under the influence of methamphetamine when he caused a deadly crash last month.

Brad L. Phillips also faces two counts of aggravated assault and drug offenses stemming from the April 25 crash in Old Bridge. The 25-year-old Gap resident was arrested at his home Friday and remained jailed Monday in Pennsylvania on $450,000 bail while awaiting extradition proceedings.

Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce Kaplan says 58-year-old Hermino Balagtas of Manalapan was killed in the crash on Route 18 in Old Bridge. Balagtas' wife and 11-year-old daughter were injured in the crash.

It was not known Monday if Phillips has retained an attorney.

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