The man suspected of killing a Lakewood teen in a hit and run accident has been arrested in Lakewood, a source told TLS.
The suspect was arrested today near the home where the suspect vehicle was located.
The suspect was seen cuffed on the ground near an open vehicle he was allegedly driving on New Hampshire Avenue.
Details are expected to be released soon.
UPDATE: Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Lakewood Township Police Chief Gregory Meyer announced today that Alexander Politan, 31, of Toms River was arrested and charged with Causing the Death of Another While Driving with a Suspended New Jersey Driver’s License in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:40-22a and Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5.1.
On Friday, October 4, 2019, at approximately 9:20 p.m., Lakewood Police were summoned to Oak Street, south of Albert Avenue in Lakewood Township for a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Investigation at the scene revealed that Jesus Lopez–Grande, 15, Lakewood, and his father, Jesus Lopez–Ramirez, 37, Lakewood, were walking near the shoulder portion of Oak Street when they were struck by a vehicle. Jesus Lopez-Ramirez sustained an injury to his elbow. Jesus Lopez-Grande was found lying face down in the driveway of a home on Oak Street. Jesus Lopez-Grande suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Further investigation revealed vehicle debris was left at the scene. Detectives determined from the vehicle debris that vehicle parts located at the crash scene belonged to a black 2014 Jeep Cherokee. At that time the Lakewood Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Support Team and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office launched an extensive search to locate the vehicle. On Sunday, October 6, 2019, ablack Jeep Cherokee matching the description of the suspect vehicle was located in the driveway of a residence on New Hampshire Avenue in Toms River. The residence was unoccupied. The black Jeep Cherokee had damage to the passenger side. A search warrant was obtained for the Jeep Cherokee.
Further investigation revealed that Politan was operating the vehicle when it struck Jesus Lopez-Grande and Jesus Lopez-Grande. Politan was physically located and arrested today. Politan was processed at Lakewood Township Police Headquarters and transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.
“Although Mr. Politan is in custody, this remains an ongoing investigation,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “If anyone has any information concerning this investigation, I ask that you please call the Lakewood Police Department at 732-363-0200 or Detective Michael Proto of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027,” Prosecutor Billhimer added.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Meyer would like to thank the concerted efforts of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Support Team, Lakewood Township Police Department, Toms River Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit in this investigation.
The Lakewood police—they take their job seriously—they are the very best!!!—well done
cant wait to see who this guy is that they have not said his name. hell if was me or anyone else name on front page. cant wait to see who he is connected to
OUTSTANDING JOB TO ALL THAT WERE INVOLVED !!
Great job by LPD, as usual but we cant forget, theres a dbl tragedy here. A young man was killed, which will effect his surviving family forever. And the driver, who was arrested, is also a tragedy. He made a bad mistake for which he and his family will pay for many years. So, 2 families destroyed, albeit on different levels, because of one careless mistake. Really sad.
What a twisted remark he didnt make a bad mistake he committed a crime, hitting a person is a mistake running from the scene is a premeditated crime, the reason he fled was likely because he was drunk. please stop with the misplaced sympathies
Let’s not equate the tragedies. One is a victim; one is a perpetrator. One is dead;one is alive. One did nothing wrong; one broke and fled the law.
Re Sadly
What a horrendous thing to say!! Here you have a family grieving the loss of a child, but you write that 2 families are ruined etc.
It has the same moral equivalence as many liberal countries saying after a terror attack in Isreal all sides are guilty, or the fake news media equating the perpetrator with the victim!
Great job!
Now, can we also bring in the animal who slashed 250 tires on Albert Avenue.
are you really posting this again? you deleted your first comment due to the amount of backlash you were receiving. You can not compare the loss of life with a couple of replaceable tires. I would advise you to reconsider your values because something is definitely missing there.
I think it’s extra painful and tragic that Jesus Lopez-Grande was killed by someone who’s license was suspended. What terrible tragedy that should have never happened.