Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on December 24, 2024, Chaudhry Yousaf, 52, whose last known address was in Valley Stream, New York, a fugitive from justice relative to a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred at milepost 77 on the Garden State Parkway on March 28, 2009, was taken into custody at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City by the United States Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. On December 27, 2024, Yousaf was extradited to New Jersey, and is presently lodged in the Ocean County Jail.
On March 28, 2009, the New Jersey State Police responded to the area of milepost 77 on the Garden State Parkway for a report of a motor vehicle crash. An investigation by the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Unit and New Jersey State Police Crime Scene Unit revealed that a black Lincoln Town Car – operated by Yousaf and containing two passengers, Harris Kahn, 26, of Queens, New York, and Kishwa Jahan, 32, of Queens Village, New York – was traveling southbound on the Garden State Parkway when Yousaf lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle struck a roadway sign and continued into the wooded area, striking a tree and finally coming to rest.
Responding Troopers observed that Yousaf appeared to be intoxicated at the scene of the crash. Yousaf was charged with Driving Under the Influence and placed under arrest at the scene. Yousaf was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. Ms. Jahan was likewise transported to Community Medical Center, where she was treated for her injuries and released. Mr. Kahn was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of serious injuries. On March 29, 2009, Mr. Kahn succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the crash.
On that date, Yousaf was charged with Vehicular Homicide and taken into custody at Community Medical Center; he was thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail. On March 30, 2009, monetary bail was set by the Court in the amount of $150,000, which Yousaf posted; as such, he was released from the jail on that date. On February 5, 2010, Yousaf failed to appear for a mandatory Court appearance, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. He has remained a fugitive from justice since that date – until December 24, 2024 when he was taken into custody in New York City.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Unit, New Jersey State Police Crime Scene Investigation Unit, United States Marshals Service New York/ New Jersey Fugitive Task Force, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, New York/New Jersey Port Authority Police, and United States Customs Police, for their collaborative efforts and assistance in connection with this investigation, ultimately leading to Yousaf’s apprehension – and his return to Ocean County to answer for this very serious charge.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).