Prosecutor's Office Investigating Death Of Long Beach Township Employee

by Patricia A. Miller

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office is handling the investigation into the death of Michael Stiles, supervisor of the Long Beach Township's Water and Sewer Department, spokesman Al Della Fave said.

Stiles was standing on the back bumper of a township-owned Ford 350 at 144 Long Beach Boulevard when the truck was hit by a Subaru Forrester driven by Otto Schmoldt, 75, of High Bar Harbor at 8:38 a.m. on March 22, Della Fave said.

Schmoldt was traveling southbound approaching a work area when his car struck a message sign board attached to the back of the truck, he said.

Stiles, 56, of Barnegat, was ejected from the back bumper of the truck and was thrown onto the roadway. He suffered head injuries from the impact and was flown to AtlanticCare Hospital, where he died of his injuries at 5:40 p.m., Della Fave said.

Schmoldt was transported to Southern Ocean Medical Center for evaluation of his minor injuries.

No charges have been filed at this time, he said.

"Due to a conflict involving a township employee, Long Beach Police requested that they be removed from the investigation," Della Fave said. "Lacey Township police, with assistance from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, will handle the continuing investigation," Della Fave said.