Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced Tuesday that Chaudhry Yousaf, 52, of Valley Stream, New York, pleaded guilty to Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide in connection with a fatal crash that occurred more than 16 years ago on the Garden State Parkway.
Yousaf entered the plea before Superior Court Judge Dina M. Vicari. Sentencing is scheduled for September 12, at which time prosecutors will recommend a five-year prison term.
The charges stem from a March 28, 2009 incident in which Yousaf was driving a black Lincoln Town Car southbound on the Garden State Parkway near milepost 77 when he lost control of the vehicle. The car struck a signpost before veering into a wooded area and crashing into a tree.
The crash resulted in serious injuries to 26-year-old Harris Kahn of Queens, New York, who was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. He died from his injuries the following day. Another passenger, Kishwa Jahan, 32, of Queens Village, was treated and released.
Troopers from the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident and Crime Scene units who responded to the scene reported that Yousaf appeared intoxicated. He was arrested for driving under the influence and transported to Community Medical Center with minor injuries. He was later charged with Vehicular Homicide and lodged in the Ocean County Jail. Bail was set at $150,000, which Yousaf posted on March 30, 2009.
On February 5, 2010, Yousaf failed to appear in court, prompting the issuance of a bench warrant. He remained a fugitive for nearly 15 years until his arrest by the U.S. Marshals Service at John F. Kennedy International Airport on December 24, 2024. He was extradited to New Jersey on December 27, 2024, and has been held at the Ocean County Jail since.
