PLUMSTED – A Beachwood man has surrendered himself to law enforcement after allegedly killing a woman due to driving under the influence, officials said.
John Zinkoski, 41, of Beachwood, was charged with Vehicular Homicide and Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide in connection with a crash that occurred in Plumsted Township on May 12 resulting in the death of Judi Smith, 59, of Browns Mills.
According to police, Smith attempted to make a right-hand turn onto Pinehurst Road when she was hit by Zinkoski who was traveling south on Pinehurst Road.
Smith suffered significant injuries and was transported to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, where she ultimately succumbed to those injuries.
Zinkoski was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he was treated for his injuries and released.
Laboratory results taken at the hospital determined that Zinkoski’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at the time of the crash was in excess of the legal limit. The laboratory results also revealed the presence of cocaine and benzodiazepine in his blood, police said.
Additionally, authorities discovered that Zinkoski was traveling at an average speed of 86 miles per hour at the time of the crash.
Upon his surrender to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Zinkoski was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
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.
