Teen Drove Nearly 90 MPH In Fatal Ocean County Crash: Prosecutor

LAKEWOOD, NJ — A Lakewood teen has been charged with vehicular homicide in a fatal March crash where he was driving nearly 90 mph, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Aryeh Bakst, 18, was charged with vehicular homicide in the March 3 crash that resulted in the death of Jules Brotsky, 82, of Lakewood, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Bakst was driving a 2023 Tesla west on County Line Road about 9 a.m. on March 3 when he hit a 2013 Toyota Corolla driven by Brotsky at the intersection of Laurelwood Avenue, Billhimer said.

Both men were taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment. Bakst was treated and released, he said.

Brotsky was admitted to the hospital and listed in critical condition, and on March 26, he succumbed to his injuries, Billhimer said.

The investigation by the Vehicular Homicide Squad of the prosecutor's office and Lakewood police showed Bakst was traveling at 88.6 mph at the time of the crash, Billhimer said. The posted speed limit on County Line Road is 45 mph.

Bakst was issued motor vehicle summonses on March 7 for reckless driving, careless driving, and speeding. On March 27, following Brotsky's death, he was charged with vehicular homicide, Billhimer said.

Bakst surrendered to police on Wednesday with his attorney present, the prosecutor's office said. He was anticipated to be released to await court action under New Jersey Bail Reform, but as of 3 p.m. Thursday Bakst remained in the Ocean County Jail.