PATERSON, N.J. (WCBS 880) -- Prosecutors say the driver in last week's crash in Wayne that killed three people had a history of driving while high on drugs.
Jason Vanderee, the driver that allegedly overdosed, veered off Rt. 23 and killed three people at a New Jersey gas station last week, lost his license after he overdosed and crashed on Rt. 80 in the fall of 2016, prosecutors say.
Narcan saved Vanderee after last week's crash as well as the one in 2016. Police say they recovered a used needle and several bags of heroin -- they say one of those bags was empty.
Vanderee did not ask for bail as he entered a plea of not guilty to charges of manslaughter and vehicular homicide Monday. The judge ordered him to remain detained pending his trial.
“Jason feels the overwhelming weight of responsibility for the deaths of Jon and Luke Warbeck and Mr. Fatra.” said his attorney John Latoracca. “He doesn't want me to oppose the state's motion.”
In court, Latoracca admitted his client has struggled with addiction for years.