Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on January 24, 2026, Jamie Doyle, 40, of Toms River, was charged with Aggravated Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Toms River on January 23, 2026, resulting in the death of Ronald Bucher, 76, also of Toms River.
On January 23, 2026, at approximately 8:50 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to the intersection of Romana Lane and Route 37 westbound for a report of a motor vehicle crash with serious injuries. Upon arrival, Officers observed a white Nissan Maxima and a red Chevrolet Trax – both of which had sustained heavy damage.
Mr. Bucher, the operator of the Chevrolet Trax, was extricated from the vehicle with significant injuries. Life-saving measures were attempted; those efforts were unsuccessful, and Mr. Bucher was pronounced deceased.
Doyle, the operator of the Nissan Maxima, displayed erratic behavior, irregular speech, and constricted pupils at the scene. He was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment of a broken femur and possible head injuries.
Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit responded to assist with the investigation. Upon their arrival, Detectives observed both vehicles resting at the intersection of Romana Lane and Route 37 westbound. Investigation revealed that the Nissan was traveling westbound on Route 37, while the Chevrolet was traveling southbound on Romana Lane – crossing Route 37 – at which time the Nissan crashed head-on into the driver’s side of the Chevrolet which had the right of way. The Chevrolet sustained significant intrusion that extended into the passenger side compartment.
Witnesses reported that the Nissan was being operated in an erratic manner and had disregarded multiple traffic signals prior to the crash. Further investigation revealed that Doyle was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license at the time he crashed into Mr. Bucher’s vehicle.
A draw of Doyle’s blood was obtained at Community Medical Center pursuant to a court-authorized search warrant. The results of the blood draw remain pending.
Doyle was initially charged on January 23, 2026 with Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Driver’s License While Involved in a Motor Vehicle Crash Causing Death, along with numerous motor vehicle summonses including Driving While Suspended, Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, and Failure to Observe Traffic Control Device. Further investigation has revealed that Doyle was operating his vehicle at approximately 106 miles per hour (MPH) five seconds prior to crashing into Mr. Bucher’s vehicle, and subsequently impacted Mr. Bucher’s vehicle at a rate of approximately 65 MPH. The posted speed limit on Route 37 west is 50 MPH. As a consequence, the charges against Doyle have been upgraded to Aggravated Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide. Doyle remains in the custody of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office while receiving medical treatment. He will thereafter be transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he will remain lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Toms River Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, for their collaborative 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).