Man Left Infant Son In Vehicle In Lakewood For Extended Time: Prosecutor

LAKEWOOD, NJ — A Lakewood man has been charged in the death of his infant son, who was found in distress in a vehicle in Lakewood and later died.

Moshe Ehrlich, 35, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the baby's death on Tuesday, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Lakewood police were called to Fifth Street about 1:45 p.m. Tuesday for a report of an infant in distress in a motor vehicle. Hatzolah Medical Services crews were at the scene trying to render lifesaving aid to the baby, a 4-month-old boy, when officers arrived, Billhimer said.

He was taken to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, where he was pronounced deceased, Billhimer said.

Investigators determined the baby, Ehrlich's son, had been left alone in Ehrlich's vehicle for an extended period of time, the prosecutor's office said.

Ehrlich surrendered himself to Lakewood Township Police Headquarters Thursday morning and now is being held in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River.

Billhimer said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, cooperated in the investigation.