Grand Jury Charges Bridgeton Driver With Second-Degree Vehicular Homicide Stemming From Wrong-Way Collision On Atlantic City Expressway
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 8:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
PLEASANTVILLE, NJ.- A Cumberland County woman has been formally indicted in connection with a fatal wrong-way crash on the Atlantic City Expressway that claimed the life of a 24-year-old man last summer, authorities announced.
On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, an Atlantic County grand jury returned an indictment charging Diana Barrios-Ortiz, 23, of Bridgeton, New Jersey, with second-degree Vehicular Homicide in the death of David Salas, 24, also of Bridgeton, New Jersey.
The indictment stems from a crash that occurred on July 5, 2025, at approximately 4:27 a.m., on the Atlantic City Expressway in Pleasantville, Atlantic County, New Jersey.
According to investigators, Barrios-Ortiz was operating a motor vehicle that entered the Atlantic City Expressway traveling in the opposite direction of traffic. While driving the wrong way, the vehicle struck a concrete median, resulting in a violent collision.
Salas, who was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the crash, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A subsequent investigation determined that Barrios-Ortiz was in a state of intoxication at the time of the crash, impairing her ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Authorities further determined that her driver’s license was suspended at the time of the incident.
The case was investigated by the New Jersey State Police, with assistance from the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Crash Investigation Unit. Evidence gathered during the investigation was presented to the grand jury, which ultimately returned the indictment.
Second-degree vehicular homicide in New Jersey is a serious criminal offense that carries significant potential prison time if a conviction is secured. Under state law, a conviction may result in a sentence of five to ten years in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the No Early Release Act, depending on the circumstances and findings at sentencing.
As with all criminal matters, the charges contained in the indictment are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Further court proceedings are expected to be scheduled in Atlantic County Superior Court.
Editor’s Note:
This article was written by Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, and is based solely on information released by law enforcement authorities and court records regarding the indictment. An indictment is not a finding of guilt, but a formal charge issued after a grand jury determines there is probable cause to proceed. Englebrook Independent News will continue to follow this case and report additional verified developments as they occur.
