JACKSON – A Spring Lake man was arrested and charged after hitting a 16-year-old with his car and fleeing the scene, authorities said.
Luke Ferrante, 47, was charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury relative to a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Jackson Township on June 3. Ferrante was also charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in connection with the same incident.
Around 12:15 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of South New Prospect Road and Citadel Drive regarding a pedestrian being struck by a car. Police found a 16-year-old victim lying in the street with serious head injuries. The victim was brought to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune where he is listed in stable condition, authorities said.
Officers then received a call reporting a man slumped over the steering wheel of a Nissan Altima on Valley Road – about one-half mile north of the crash site. Police noted that the Nissan had significant front-end damage and found the driver, later identified as Ferrante, slumped over the steering wheel.
According to authorities, Ferrante was traveling northbound on South New Prospect Road when he crossed over the white line onto the gravel sidewalk, struck the victim who was walking on the side of the roadway, and then drove away.
Ferrante was taken into custody at the scene without incident. While searching Ferrante, officers found him in possession of drug paraphernalia.
Ferrante was transported to Monmouth Medical Center-Southern Campus in Lakewood, where a draw of his blood was obtained pursuant to a court-authorized warrant. At this time, the results are pending. Ferrante was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer commended the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit- Vehicular Homicide Squad and Jackson Township Police Department for their combined efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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