Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey said police are investigating a fatal collision in which a pedestrian was struck and killed as she crossed Ocean Boulevard in Long Branch on September 22nd.
Authorities said the deceased pedestrian was identified as Karen Borkowski, 66, of Stanhope, who was struck and killed by a car driven by off-duty Police Officer Jake Pascucci, 28, of Long Branch.
Borkowski was pronounced dead at the scene following the crash which occurred on Ocean Boulevard at 8:15 p.m.
Due to a potential conflict of interest, the Office of the Attorney General transferred the case from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Motor vehicle summonses have been executed within the appropriate timeframe for reckless driving and careless driving. Criminal charges are being considered pending a further investigation.
Detective Donald Heck of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the cause of the crash.
The preliminary investigation has determined that Pascucci was driving his 2016 Jeep on Ocean Boulevard and struck Karen Borkowski as she attempted to cross Ocean Boulevard, a four lane highway.
The investigation is active and continuing.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Heck of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-8842.