Driver who fled fatal crash in toms river arrested and charged

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The suspect involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash Saturday evening on Route 37 near the Mathis Bridge has been identified and charged following his capture near the barrier island, authorities confirmed.

Abel B. Mathukutty, who was booked Sunday in Ocean County, faces two charges related to the incident: knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident with serious bodily injury and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. According to jail records, Mathukutty was taken into custody last night and is being held without bail.

Photo by jersey coast emergency news / facebook

The crash occurred near Aqua Blu, a waterfront restaurant, and was first reported by Jersey Coast Emergency News. Emergency responders arrived to find one individual deceased. The other involved vehicle fled the scene toward’s the Barrier Island and Seaside Heights.

The victim’s identity has not been released.

Witnesses reported the suspect fled the scene in a gray Infiniti. Law enforcement located the vehicle and apprehended the suspect shortly after on the barrier island. He was transported to Toms River Police Headquarters for processing and later booked into the Ocean County Jail

Suspect held without bail as investigation proceeds

Court records show that Mathukutty has no known aliases or detainers. He is currently classified as single with some high school education. A projected release date has not been provided, and there is no scheduled hearing listed as of Sunday.

The crash led to extended delays along Route 37 eastbound, particularly near Fischer Boulevard, as crews worked to investigate and clear the roadway. One lane remained closed as of Sunday.

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