MANCHESTER – Authorities have announced that the Toms River driver who was charged in the fatal crash last week had presented fake identification, and is actually a minor.
“At the time of the fatal crash, the young man presented identification indicating he was 22 years old. Further investigation revealed that he provided false identification to the police and that he was actually 17 years old,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.
The juvenile was charged with Vehicular Homicide, Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide, Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death, being an Unlicensed Driver Involved in a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death as well as Hindering Apprehension by Giving False Information to Law Enforcement.
At around 10 p.m. on August 3, the 17-year-old was driving in a Nissan Murano. He pulled out from a side road near 1881 Route 37 and failed to yield to a motorcyclist, police said. The motorcycle struck the rear passenger side door.
Jeffrey Schlinger, 23, of Toms River, was driving a Yamaha motorcycle. He was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
After the crash, the juvenile continued eastbound on Route 37 until his car became inoperable. He then exited the car and fled on foot into a nearby wooded area. Police later located and apprehended him.
During that time, the juvenile gave false information to the officers as to his identity. He is currently detained in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledged the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Ocean County Department of Corrections, for their collective assistance in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced are merely accusations and the 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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