Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Toms River Police Chief Mitch Little today announced their agencies are partnering to investigate a tragic pedestrian fatal hit and run which took place just prior to the eve of the Thanksgiving Holiday.
On 11/22/2016 at 2310 pm, the Toms River Police Department responded to Route 70 Westbound at the Route 9 Bridge for a pedestrian struck. Responding officers found a male, age 34, of Toms River struck by multiple vehicles. The unresponsive male was pronounced deceased at 11:30 pm.
Person reportedly struck multiple times by vehicles on Rt 9 at TR border. Investigation underway.
— The Lakewood Scoop (@LakewoodScoop) November 23, 2016
The partnering agencies, with assistance from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI, after scene examination determines that pedestrian male was initially struck by a 2014-2016 Infinity Q50 color blue. The infinity left the scene following the strike and is believed to have heavy front end damage. The victim was subsequently struck by additional vehicles which immediately stopped and remained at the scene to render assistance. No witnesses to the initial impact were present on scene.
This is a still developing investigation and more information will be released as it becomes available. Anyone with information should contact the Toms River Police Department at 732-349-0150 or the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027.
UPDATE: The victim has been identified as 34-year-old John Ekarius, of Dover Woods, Toms River, NJ.
[TLS]
This is the most important reason why leaving the scene of an accident is an EXTREMELY serious crime. By leaving the scene, the driver had caused that the next car should hit the pedestrian a second time. By leaving the scene, the driver has upped his crime from possibly no charges, to vehicular homicide or worse. NEVER leave the scene of an accident!