LAKEWOOD – An 18-year-old man has been charged for traveling almost double the speed limit, which resulted in a fatal crash, officials said.
Aryeh Bakst of Lakewood was charged with Vehicular Homicide in connection with a crash that occurred on March 3 in Lakewood.
The crash occurred around 9 a.m. in the area of West County Line Road and Laurelwood Avenue. According to police, Bakst was driving westbound on County Line Road in a 2023 Tesla when he struck a 2013 Toyota Corolla, driven by 82-year-old Jules Brotsky of Lakewood, at the intersection of Laurelwood Avenue.
As a result of the crash, both drivers were brought to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of their injuries. Brotsky was admitted to the hospital and listed in critical condition; Bakst was treated for his injuries and subsequently released, officials said.
It was later revealed that Bakst was traveling at 88.6 miles-per-hour at the time of the crash, where the posted speed limit is 45 miles-per-hour.
On March 7, Bakst was issued motor vehicle summonses for Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, and Speeding.
On March 26, Brotsky succumbed to the injuries he suffered from the crash. As a result, Bakst was charged with Vehicular Homicide.
A few days later, Bakst surrendered himself to Lakewood Township Police Headquarters. He was processed, transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad and Lakewood Township Police Department for their combined and cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation.
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.
