Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Douglas Thompson, 55, of Jackson, was indicted yesterday, February 5, on charges of Vehicular Homicide; Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide; and Causing a Death While Driving with a Suspended License.

On October 15, 2019, Toms River Township Police were dispatched to the intersection of Route 9 and Stevens Road for a report of a motor vehicle accident. Thomas Marciano, 65, of Toms River, was stopped behind a motor vehicle making a left-hand turn when he was struck from behind by a vehicle operated by Thompson. Mr. Marciano was transported to Community Medical Center and was subsequently flown to Jersey Shore Medical Center due to the gravity of his injuries. Mr. Marciano ultimately succumbed to those injuries on October 28, 2019.

On October 15, 2019, after the crash, Thompson submitted to chemical breath testing which revealed a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .17 percent – more than double the legal limit under New Jersey law. As a result, Thompson was initially charged with Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, as well as Operating a Motor Vehicle With a Suspended or Revoked License. As a result of Mr. Marciano’s death thirteen days after the crash, Thompson was charged Vehicular Homicide and Strict Liability Homicide on November 8, 2019. Thompson was arrested at his residence in Jackson by members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Toms River Township Police Department.

Prosecutor Billhimer would like to acknowledge Senior Assistant Prosecutor Jamie Schron who is handling the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Toms River Township Police Department Traffic Safety Division, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Toms River EMS, and Silverton EMS for their collective assistance in this investigation leading to Thompson’s indictment.