Driver blamed for fatal crash accused of giving police a fake name

WEST DEPTFORD, N.J. (WPVI) -- Investigators say a man who caused a fatal crash after fleeing an attempted traffic stop in New Jersey gave officers a fake name after his arrest.

George Linard, a 24-year-old resident of the United Kingdom, was previously identified as 28-year-old Steve Hall.

Linard is charged with second-degree death by auto, two counts of second-degree assault by auto, and possession of a fraudulent government license.

Police say Linard was also wanted by the Bergen County Sheriff's Department for failing to appear in court on charges involving controlled substances, money laundering and possession of false ID.

The Gloucester County Prosecutor's office says it all started at P & S Gas and Food Mart on Hessian Ave in West Deptford Twp. around 5:30 p.m. Sunday when police were called for a report of two drunk men.

When police arrived, they say the two men left in a vehicle, and a marked car followed.

Multiple cameras along Hessian Avenue captured police following a speeding car heading towards Red Bank Avenue.

The prosecutor's office says police were trying to pull that vehicle over when that vehicle crossed into opposing traffic and hit another vehicle.

The driver of the struck vehicle was killed, and a passenger in that vehicle suffered a broken leg.

The family of that passenger -- a 24-year-old woman -- tells Action News she was in an Uber on the way home from work. She underwent surgery on Monday.

According to court documents, Linard appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The state attorney general is investigating, along with the prosecutor's office, because police were following one of the vehicles at the time of the crash.