Authorities have released the identity of the 53-year-old woman struck and killed as she attempted to cross the road in Lakewood Township.
According to police, on Dec. 5th at approximately 5:01 p.m., the Lakewood Police Department responded to Shorrock Rd, south of route 70, for a report of a pedestrian strike.
Officers arrived and found the pedestrian, later identified as Irene D. Perosi, 53, of Lakewood, unresponsive in the roadway.
Police said Perosi succumbed to her injuries and was subsequently pronounced deceased at 5:21 pm.
Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Det. Brant Uricks responded to the location to assist Lakewood Ptl. Alex Guzman with the investigation.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the driver - James W. Howell, 66 of Toms River - was operating a 2010 Mazda that was traveling southbound on Shorrock Road when he struck Perosi.
According to police, Howell stopped his vehicle in the right lane of travel facing southbound and called 911. He consented to a blood draw, to a search of his car and a search of his phone, all of which were conducted.
Principal damage to the vehicle and roadway evidence shows the pedestrian was struck in the lane of travel.
Additionally, no crosswalks are present at that location and lighting was low.
The investigating is active and ongoing.