Arrest in Belleville vehicular homicide

BELLEVILLE —

Two months after the tragedy, a 19-year-old Bloomfield man has been arrested on a charge of vehicular homicide in connection with a fatal collision on Belleville Ave. in Belleville in May. 

Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Belleville Police Chief Mark Minichini announced last Thursday, July 28, that Alan Faynzilberg had been taken into custody earlier that day at his home.  

Authorities said Faynzilberg was driving on the avenue at approximately 8:30 p.m. last May 27 when he crossed into oncoming traffic, crashing head-on into a vehicle operated by Luis Davila, 33, of Belleville. Davila suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at Clara Maass Medical Center.

According to his obituary, Davila was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, had lived in Belleville for two years, and was employed as a driver for Estes Trucking of North Bergen. He was described as “a devoted family man” and “friend to all,” and his survivors included his widow, Elizabeth, and two sons, Gregorio and Luis.

In addition to vehicular homicide, Faynzilberg has been charged with aggravated assault for the severe injuries sustained by his girlfriend, who was a passenger in his car, authorities said. He reportedly was also injured in the crash, which published accounts said occurred on the 500 block of Belleville Ave., between Cottage St. and S. Franklin Ave.

On Thursday, July 28, Superior Court Judge Marysol Rosero, sitting in Newark, ordered Faynzilberg held on $350,000 bail.

The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

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