North Plainfield Man Charged Following Fatal Route 22 Crash in Mountainside

A North Plainfield man has been charged in connection with a fatal crash that occurred on Route 22 in Mountainside on Thursday evening, August 6, 2026. The Union County Prosecutor's Office announced the charges on Wednesday, August 12. Union County Life is reporting the case as announced by law enforcement officials.

The Defendant and Charges

Fabian Parra, 35, of North Plainfield, was charged Monday, August 10, with second-degree vehicular homicide and second-degree leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death, according to Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Mountainside Police Chief Joseph Giannuzzi.

The Victim

The victim was identified as Rocco Della Serra, 65, of Cranford.

The Incident

Mountainside police officers responded to the intersection of Route 22 and New Providence Road at approximately 7:28 p.m. on August 6 following reports of a hit-and-run crash involving a bicyclist. Route 22 was closed in both directions as emergency crews responded to the scene.

Allegations

Prosecutors allege that Parra was driving westbound on Route 22 while under the influence of alcohol when he ran a red light and struck Della Serra. Authorities further allege that Parra continued westbound after the collision, leaving the scene.

Arrest and Custody

Scotch Plains police officers located Parra approximately three miles from the crash scene and placed him under arrest. Parra is being held at the Essex County Jail while awaiting his next court appearance.

Investigation Ongoing

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Union County Prosecutor's Office Homicide Task Force. Detective William Hannon can be reached at 908-578-8482. Sergeant Nicholas Veltre is available at 908-347-7330. Mountainside Police Lieutenant Shaun Bendik can be reached at 908-232-8100.

Find more Mountainside public safety information on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: Who was charged in the fatal Route 22 crash in Mountainside?
A: Fabian Parra, 35, of North Plainfield, was charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and second-degree leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death.

Q: When did the fatal crash occur?
A: The crash occurred Thursday evening, August 6, 2026, at the intersection of Route 22 and New Providence Road in Mountainside.

Q: When was the defendant arrested?
A: Fabian Parra was charged Monday, August 10, 2026. The charges were announced by the Union County Prosecutor's Office on Wednesday, August 12.

Q: Who was the victim?
A: The victim was identified as Rocco Della Serra, 65, of Cranford.

Q: What are the allegations against Parra?
A: Prosecutors allege that Parra was driving westbound on Route 22 while under the influence of alcohol, ran a red light, struck the victim, and left the scene of the accident.

Q: Was the defendant arrested at the scene?
A: No. Scotch Plains police officers located Parra approximately three miles from the crash scene and placed him under arrest.

Q: Where is the defendant being held?
A: Fabian Parra is being held at the Essex County Jail while awaiting his next court appearance.

Q: How can I report information about the crash?
A: Contact the Union County Prosecutor's Office Homicide Task Force at 908-578-8482 (Detective William Hannon) or 908-347-7330 (Sgt. Nicholas Veltre), or Mountainside Police at 908-232-8100 (Lt. Shaun Bendik).