Lakewood, NJ (July 28, 2025) – Two people, including a child, were killed, and another child was seriously injured in a devastating head-on crash late Saturday night, July 26, in Lakewood. The crash occurred shortly before 11:30 p.m. on Cross Street and has resulted in serious criminal charges for one of the drivers involved.
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, a Dodge Durango driven by 43-year-old Raul Luna-Perez of Red Bank was traveling east on Cross Street when it veered into oncoming traffic. The SUV collided head-on with a Nissan Sentra carrying three occupants.
The driver of the Nissan was pronounced dead at the scene. Tragically, an 11-year-old girl who was riding as a passenger in the car was taken to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Another 11-year-old girl in the Nissan was also transported to the same hospital and remains in serious but stable condition.
Responding officers noted that Luna-Perez showed signs of impairment at the crash site. He was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where his blood was drawn under a warrant. Authorities later charged him with two counts of vehicular homicide and one count of assault by auto.
Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer confirmed that the investigation remains active. Police have not yet released the names of the victims as they work to notify all next of kin.
Our hearts go out to the families who lost loved ones in this tragic crash. We also hope the injured child makes a full and swift recovery. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence to determine all contributing factors in this heartbreaking incident.
Drunk Driving Crashes in Ocean County
DUI-related crashes remain one of the deadliest forms of traffic accidents in New Jersey. When a driver chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired, the consequences can be tragic, especially in head-on collisions, which often occur at high speeds and offer little protection for those involved.
In New Jersey, state data reveals that alcohol played a role in over 25% of traffic fatalities in recent years. Crashes involving impaired drivers frequently lead to:
- Loss of life and catastrophic injuries
- Serious injuries to child passengers
- Long-term physical and emotional trauma for survivors
- Criminal charges, including vehicular homicide
- Civil lawsuits filed by victims and their families
Victims and families affected by drunk driving crashes often face overwhelming challenges, including funeral expenses, medical bills, long-term therapy, and loss of income. Legal action may be necessary to pursue justice and financial recovery.
A qualified wrongful death attorney can help guide grieving families through this difficult time. At Metro Law, attorney Robert Solomon has spent more than four decades helping victims’ families hold negligent drivers accountable. Our compassionate attorneys understand the pain of sudden loss and fight tirelessly to secure compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, and emotional suffering.
We offer free consultations, evening and weekend appointments, and bilingual support in Spanish and Portuguese. If you’ve lost a loved one or suffered injuries in a DUI-related crash, contact Metro Law today at 800-469-6476 to speak with a dedicated member of our legal team.
