February 15, 2023
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police Department has charged a 40-year-old South Brunswick man after a series of motor vehicle incidents and crashes over the past three months. An investigation into the crashes by South Brunswick Traffic Safety Bureau and detectives determined the crashes were the result of intentional acts. Mark Lauri was charged with 3 counts of endangering the welfare of others and 1 count of criminal mischief. The first incident took place on November 3, 2022, at 12:55 when Mr. Lauri was driving south on Route 1 near Finnegans Lane. He became upset with another driver, eventually cutting off the victim’s vehicle, then slammed on his brakes, which caused the victim to impact the rear of Mr. Lauri’s vehicle. Two additional incidents took place hours apart on February 3, 2023. At 1:59 PM a driver on Route 1 called 911 to report a vehicle driving erratically and stopping suddenly (break checking) in front of multiple vehicles. Police determined Mr. Lauri was the vehicle the 911 caller was speaking of. At 3:12 PM Officers responded to the Target parking lot to investigate a crash that took place on Route 1. An off-duty New Jersey State Trooper was traveling on Route 1 and observed Mr. Lauri recklessly drive and cut off another motorist. The trooper witnessed Mr. Lauri change lanes erratically and impact another vehicle that was also headed north on Route 1. Investigators determined Mr. Lauri had also been involved in a road rage incident on January 24, 2023, at High and Bridge streets in Somerville. Mr. Lauri was charged with careless driving and delaying traffic by Somerville Police in that incident. Mr. Lauri’s actions created widespread risk and he was charged for his reckless conduct. Mr. Lauri surrendered at police headquarters and was lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center as of Wednesday morning.
Chief Raymond Hayducka said, “Mr. Lauri’s conduct put everyone at risk. Last year alone there were nearly two thousand crashes on roadways in the Township. His erratic driving and repeated sudden stopping in front of other drivers just increases the potential for crashes.” He thanked the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance.