Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 27, 2024, Aryeh Bakst, 18, of Lakewood, was charged with Vehicular Homicide in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred on March 3, 2024, in Lakewood.
On March 3, 2024, at approximately 9:00 a.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to the area of West County Line Road and Laurelwood Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle crash with serious injuries. A subsequent investigation conducted by the Lakewood Township Police Department revealed that a 2023 Tesla – being operated by Bakst – was traveling westbound on County Line Road when it struck a 2013 Toyota Corolla operated by Jules Brotsky, 82, of Lakewood, at the intersection of Laurelwood Avenue. As a result of the crash, Mr. Brotsky and Bakst were both transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of their injuries. Mr. Brotsky was admitted to the hospital and listed in critical condition; Bakst was treated for his injuries and subsequently released.
Further investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad and Lakewood Township Police Department revealed that the vehicle operated by Bakst was traveling at 88.6 miles-per-hour at the time of the crash. The posted speed limit on the roadway is 45 miles-per-hour. On March 7, 2024, Bakst was issued motor vehicle summonses for Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, and Speeding.
On March 26, 2024, Mr. Brotsky succumbed to the injuries he suffered in the subject motor vehicle crash. As a consequence of Mr. Brotsky’s succumbing to his injuries, Bakst was charged with Vehicular Homicide on March 27, 2024.
On April 3, 2024, Bakst surrendered himself to Lakewood Township Police Headquarters in the presence of his attorney. He was processed, transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor 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 above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).