By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Ocean County announced that on March 27, Aryeh Bakst, 18, of Lakewood, was charged with Vehicular Homicide in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred on March 3, 2024, in Lakewood.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer stated that on March 3, 2024, at approximately 9:00 a.m., officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to the area of West County Line Road and Laurelwood Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle crash with serious injuries.
Officials said a subsequent investigation conducted by the Lakewood Township Police Department revealed that a 2023 Tesla - being operated by Bakst - was traveling westbound on County Line Road when it struck a 2013 Toyota Corolla operated by Jules Brotsky, 82, of Lakewood, at the intersection of Laurelwood Avenue.
As a result of the crash, Mr. Brotsky and Bakst were both transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of their injuries, officials stated.
According to officials, Mr. Brotsky was admitted to the hospital and listed in critical condition; Bakst was treated for his injuries and subsequently released.
Officials say further investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad and Lakewood Township Police Department revealed that the vehicle operated by Bakst was traveling at 88.6 miles per hour at the time of the crash.
The posted speed limit on the roadway is 45 miles per hour, authorities say.
Officials said on March 7, Bakst was issued motor vehicle summonses for Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, and Speeding.
Ocean County officials said on March 26, Mr. Brotsky succumbed to the injuries he suffered in the subject motor vehicle crash.
As a consequence of Mr. Brotsky’s succumbing to his injuries, Bakst was charged with Vehicular Homicide on March 27, officials stated.
Authorities say Bakst surrendered himself to Lakewood Township Police Headquarters on April 3, 2024, in the presence of his attorney.
He was processed, transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform, according to officials.