UNION COUNTY - A 30-year-old Elizabeth police officer has been charged in an off-duty crash in which a 29-year-old Elizabeth man died.

Romulo Meneses-Alvarez was charged Tuesday with strict liability vehicular homicide for causing a death by driving while intoxicated or under the influence, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey.

Due to a potential conflict by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the Office of the Attorney General referred the case to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office for investigation and prosecution.

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According to Carey, Jairo Lozano was struck and killed by a car driven Meneses-Alvarez on Oct. 31, 2017. Lozano was taken to Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth where he was pronounced dead.

Meneses-Alvarez previously received motor vehicle summonses for driving while intoxicated, careless driving and failing to yield to the right of way.

Investigators determined that Meneses-Alvarez was driving his personal vehicle, a 2007 Jeep Wrangler, south on Elmora Avenue around 11:20 p.m. Oct. 31, 2017 when he collided with Lozano's 2005 GSX Suzuki motorcycle at the intersection of Elmora Avenue and Vine Street in Elizabeth.

The investigation into the fatal crash is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Donald Heck of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-8842.

Staff Writer Suzanne Russell: 732-565-7335; srussell@mycentraljersey.com