Report: NJ Driver Had PCP In System During Fatal Crash That Killed 2 Teens

NORTH BERGEN, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A New Jersey driver is facing upgraded charges after being accused of fatally striking two teenagers after jumping a curb while driving at high speeds in Union City on March 5.

The victims best friends Noel Herrera, 16, an eighth grader at Cliffside Park Middle School, and Bryan Rodriguez, 17, a sophomore at Union City High School,

Preliminary evidence suggested Patterson was driving 74 mph in a 25 mph zone along Kennedy Boulevard, according to the sheriff's office.

A third teenager was also injured in the crash.

Charges against Eric Patterson, 23, of Jersey City, were upgraded to include two counts of aggravated manslaughter after toxicological reports revealed the suspect had the drug PCP in his system at the time of the crash.

Patterson was initially charged with death by auto, assault by auto, speeding, reckless driving and driving with a suspended license, according to the Hudson County Sheriff's Office.

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• New Jersey