Driver charged in police chase crash that killed EMT
James Sterling crashed his minivan into an ambulance killing an EMT and injuring three others
By EMS1 Staff
NEWARK, N.J. — Bail has been set a $30,000 for the driver of a minivan that crashed into a NJ ambulance, killing an EMT and injuring two others.
James Sterling, 29, has been charged with aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault, driving with a suspended license and eluding in the crash that claimed the life of Keith Chipepo, 30, according to the Associated Press.
The Monday crash also involved a food truck and county bus, injuring the truck driver, another EMT in the ambulance as well as a patient.
Chipepo was the father of three children, one just 5 months old.
Family members say he had become an EMT knowing he'd never get rich doing it, but knowing also he could help others.
"He has a very big heart," nephew Isaiah Chipepo said. "He got it from his mother, which was my grandmother. He wasn't any type of cruel guy. He just wanted to help everybody out."
Jason Clatt Tuesday, November 20, 2012 1:43:54 PM should have been 1st degree murder. 
George W. De Tuccio Tuesday, November 20, 2012 8:46:47 PM Unfortunately it would be hard pressed to get 1st degree as it would be difficult to prove the premeditation part... by stretch you may argue, although success not gauranteed, that he completed the premeditation part by choosing to attempt to elude. Regardless, would love to see it become a capital case by a federal law to draw up capital charges on anyone directly responsible for or contributing to the death of LEO, Fire, or EMS (ALL TYPES... INCLUDING VOLUNTEER AND PRIVATE (AMR, Rural Metro, et al)). I sincerely wish we could pass legislation desiged to do that.
Mark Oribello Wednesday, November 21, 2012 5:43:21 AM Felony murder = 1st degree murder in most states. As long as the death happened as part of the act of committing a felony (i.e., felony evasion) that's all the DA needs. No premeditation needed.
Teresa Wegrzyn Tuesday, November 20, 2012 1:46:24 PM God rest his giving soul in Peace and comfort his immediate family as well as his EMS family. 
Desdamona Desi Tuesday, November 20, 2012 1:52:05 PM MAY HIS FAMILY FIND THE PEACE AND COMFORT IN KNOWING HE IS WITH OUR FATHER AND IS STILL WITH THEM, AND BE PROUD THAT GOD IS HOLDING HIM AND HE IS IN NO PAIN. GIVE THEM THE COURAGE TO GET THROUGH THIS TRAGEDY.GOD BLESS ALL.AMEN
Fred Antonelli Tuesday, November 20, 2012 2:14:32 PM Really!!!!! Bail set at 30,000 that's all EMS is worth and those charges are a joke.....I agree with Jason charge him with murder 
Makeba DanceWorshipper Scott Tuesday, November 20, 2012 2:32:16 PM keeping his family in prayer. 
Darrel Tesha Hall Tuesday, November 20, 2012 3:54:44 PM Yes....was a partner of mine before I switch jobs..... Please keep his family in prayer.... They are just in shock... But they know God and know that he is a healer Makeba DanceWorshipper Scott Wednesday, November 21, 2012 3:19:45 AM I will and I just found out that he was a family member of a church memeber at my church just sad .. have to be in prayer at all times and give love at all times life ti to short
Debbie Gregor Bangert Tuesday, November 20, 2012 3:00:24 PM Seriously, chases should be outlawed. How many more deaths have to happen! 
AJ Zuccarelli Saturday, November 24, 2012 8:08:07 PM And then all criminals have to do is run to get away from cops. -5 points for stupid post. 
Donna Graham Hammond Wednesday, November 21, 2012 6:57:01 PM Prayers for family and friends. RIP, brother, you took the high road. Debbie Gregor Bangert Friday, November 23, 2012 1:42:19 PM I know South Orange Ave very well and I've seen the chases that have gone on in the past 
