FREEHOLD – A Little Egg Harbor man has been arrested in connection with a fatal car crash that happened in July, resulting in the death of a mother and her child, authorities said.
Thomas F. Polson, 53, was arrested on two counts of second-degree Vehicular Homicide, one count of third-degree Hindering Apprehension, two counts of fourth-degree Assault by Auto and one count of fourth-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.
The three-crash occurred on July 14 around 5 p.m. in the area of Siloam Road and Old Turkey Swamp Road in Freehold Township. According to police, Polson’s pickup truck left the southbound lane of Siloam Road and hit an SUV before colliding head-on with a minivan immediately thereafter.
The minivan was driven by Denise James, 42, of Ocean Township (Ocean County), who was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police said her 3-year-old child was transported via medical helicopter to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries. The other two children, ages 9 and 13, were also taken to Jersey Shore for treatment and were later released, police said.
Authorities later discovered that Polson has been driving while under the influence of drugs.
Polson is lodged at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending a first appearance and detention hearing. He faces up to 10 years in state prison, requiring him to serve 85 percent of the sentence.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has any information about it is asked to contact MCPO Detective Nicolas Logothetis at 800-533-7443 or Freehold Township Police Department Patrolman Justin Nunno at 732-294-5139.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
