Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 3, 2025, Luke Ferrante, 47, of Spring Lake, was charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury relative to a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Jackson Township on June 3, 2025. Ferrante was also charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in connection with the same incident.
On June 3, 2025, at approximately 12:15 p.m., Officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to the intersection of South New Prospect Road and Citadel Drive for a report of a pedestrian having been struck by a motor vehicle. Responding Officers located a 16-year-old male victim with apparent serious head injuries lying in the roadway. The victim was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune where he is listed in stable condition.
While at the scene, Officers received a second call reporting that a male driver was slumped over the steering wheel of a Nissan Altima located on Valley Road – approximately one-half mile north of the crash site. Upon their arrival, Officers observed that the Nissan had significant front end damage. Officers also found the driver, later identified as Ferrante, slumped over the steering wheel of the vehicle. Further investigation revealed that Ferrante was traveling northbound on South New Prospect Road when he crossed over the white line onto the gravel sidewalk, struck the victim who was walking on the side of the roadway, and then drove away.
Ferrante was taken into custody at the scene without incident. During a search of Ferrante subject to his arrest, he was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia.
In furtherance of the investigation, Ferrante was transported to Monmouth Medical Center-Southern Campus in Lakewood, where a draw of his blood was obtained pursuant to a court-authorized warrant. The results of the blood draw remain pending. Ferrante was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit- Vehicular Homicide Squad and Jackson Township Police Department for their combined 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).