No Criminal Charges to be Filed in Fatal Washington Township Accident

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Washington Township (Morris County) Police Chief Michael Bailey jointly announce the conclusion of the criminal investigation into the April 18, 2015 motor vehicle accident that resulted in the death of a 68-year-old man on West Mill Road in Washington Township, Morris County.  

 After a thorough investigation by law enforcement, and in coordination with the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office and the New Jersey State Police Forensics Laboratory, no evidence of criminal conduct was found on the part of the driver of a Lexus that was involved in the two-car crash. 

Analysis of the Lexus driver’s blood did not reveal the presence of any substance that would have impaired his ability to operate a motor vehicle. As such, no criminal charges are forthcoming arising out of this incident.   

On April 18, 2015 at 5:28 p.m., Washington Township Police received a 911 call of a motor vehicle crash in the area of 338 West Mill Road. A 1961 Chevrolet Corvette was struck by a 2013 Lexus SUV. The sole occupant of the Corvette, a 68-year-old man, was injured and died as a result of his injuries. 

The investigation revealed that the 1961 Corvette was travelling West on West Mill Road. At the same time, a 2013 Lexus RX was traveling East on West Mill Road. The investigation revealed that the Lexus crossed over the center double line for unknown reasons and struck the Corvette head-on, causing the fatal injuries to the sole occupant of the Corvette. 

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Police Chief Michael Bailey and the Washington Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Section, and the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office participated in the investigation.

Inquiries should be directed to Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Deputy Chief Denise H. Arseneault at 973-285-6262 or DArseneault@co.morris.nj.us