Bail Increased for College Student Accused of Deadly Drunken Crash

A college student accused of killing two Maplewood residents while driving drunk last summer had his bail tripled Tuesday as his attorney tries to negotiate a plea agreement.

Harrison Allen, 20, of Montclair, has been indicted on aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide and assault by auto charges. Allen, who had been attending Seton Hall University, had his bail tripled Tuesday to $150,000 following the indictment, according to NJ.com.

Allen’s attorney, Anthony Gualano, said his client understands he has a "debt to pay," and has taken steps to resolve his drinking issue, according to NJ.com. Gualano also said he's in negotiations with the Essex County Prosecutor's Office on a potential plea agreement, the article said.

Allen, who is the son of retired Montclair Fire Chief Kevin Allen, is accused of speeding through a stop sign and hitting a Nissan Sentra carrying four occupants in the August 2013 crash.

Two of those inside the vehicle—Tamir Harry, 16, and Kervin Noel, 21—were each thrown from the car and pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

Two other men, Rodney Lovius, 21, and Tamir Harry’s brother, Tahsir, 20, were seriously injured and had to be extricated by rescuers who removed the roof of the car.

Authorities said "alcohol and excessive speed" were factors in the crash at the intersection of Essex Avenue and South Fourth Street in Maplewood.