OCEAN COUNTY — A Toms River man faces serious criminal charges after authorities say he caused a deadly crash while driving on a suspended license late Friday night in one of the township’s busiest corridors.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said Jamie Doyle, 40, was charged in connection with a two-vehicle collision that took place January 23 at the intersection of Route 37 westbound and Romana Lane. A 76-year-old township resident was killed in the incident.
Police were called to the scene shortly before 9 p.m. and found a white Nissan Maxima and a red Chevrolet Trax with extensive damage. The driver of the Chevrolet, identified as Ronald Bucher of Toms River, was trapped inside his vehicle and suffered catastrophic injuries. Despite rescue efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said Doyle was driving the Nissan westbound on Route 37 when it struck the Chevrolet as it crossed the highway with the right of way. Authorities reported significant intrusion into the Chevrolet’s passenger compartment.
Witnesses told police the Nissan had been driven erratically and had ignored multiple traffic signals prior to the crash. Investigators later determined Doyle’s driver’s license was suspended at the time of the collision.
Police also noted signs of possible intoxication at the scene, including erratic behavior and slurred speech. Doyle was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment of a broken femur and possible head injuries. A court-authorized blood draw was obtained, with results pending.
In addition to the suspended-license charge tied to the fatal crash, Doyle faces multiple motor vehicle summonses, including driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and failure to obey traffic signals.
He remains under police custody while hospitalized and is expected to be transferred to the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing. Prosecutors said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.
Authorities stressed that all charges are accusations and Doyle is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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