Two people arrested after car theft and assault in Glen Burnie

FRANKLIN TWP., NJ – Somerset County authorities are investigating a fatal accident that occurred Saturday, August 24, 2024, in Franklin Township, in which a vehicle was found underwater in the Delaware-Raritan Canal.

According to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, the incident was reported at approximately 12:24 p.m. when Franklin Township police were alerted to a motor vehicle in the canal near the intersection of Canal Road and Grouser Road. The submerged vehicle was initially spotted by a kayaker, who immediately notified police.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found damage to guardrails and several trees, indicating a serious accident. The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Dive Rescue Team was activated and headed to the scene. Divers entered the water and located the vehicle, a 2024 Honda Civic, with a single occupant inside. The occupant, a 31-year-old male resident of Skillman, New Jersey, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The vehicle was removed from the canal by Mikes Towing and Recovery.

The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Accident Reconstruction Team and Franklin Township Police Traffic Investigators conducted a preliminary investigation. Their findings indicate that the vehicle was traveling westbound on Grouser Road toward Canal Road, where the road ends, requiring vehicles to make either a right or left turn. The vehicle reportedly entered the intersection without stopping, struck the guardrail, was thrown through the air, and subsequently struck several traffic signs and a tree before landing in the canal. The vehicle was discovered upright and traveling eastbound.

Medical investigators from the New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner's Office arrived at the scene. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of death.

The investigation into the circumstances of the crash is still ongoing.