TOMS RIVER – A 17-year-old Bayville teen is dead after being struck by a vehicle Sunday morning while attempting to cross Route 37, according to authorities.
Toms River Police said officers were dispatched around 3:09 a.m. to Route 37 East near the intersection of Route 166 for reports of a male pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle.
According to police department spokesperson Jillian Messina, the 17-year-old male victim, from Bayville, was reportedly leaving work when he attempted to cross Route 37 in a southbound direction.
The juvenile was approximately 60’ from the crosswalk when he entered the roadway and was struck by an oncoming vehicle driven by 46-year-old Mark Roma of Toms River, who was travelling eastbound with a green traffic signal.
Police said they don’t believe speed was a factor and there are no indications of driver impairment.
Witnesses said the victim, wearing dark clothing, entered the roadway when there was a no pedestrian crossing signal activated.
The teen was taken to Community Medical Center where he died of his injuries.
A full probe is underway being handled by Toms River Traffic Safety Officer Robert Westfall.
Ocean County Sheriff’s Officers, the New Jersey State Police and the DOT Diversion Team all responded to aid the scene.
