Lavallette Man Hit, Killed Pedestrian While On Drugs: Prosecutor

LAVALETTE, NJ — The driver in an accident that killed an 83-year-old man was charged Thursday with vehicular homicide, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office announced. Brian Kosanke drove under the influence of Xanax, cocaine, fentanyl and Gabapentin when he struck Thomas Castronovo on Oct. 19, authorities said.

Castronovo suffered serious injuries after getting hit by Kosanke's vehicle at Route 35 North and Guyger Avenue, the OCPO said. First responders administered lifesaving procedures before taking the Warren man to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he died.

Investigation revealed Kosanke was driving northbound on Route 35 when he struck Castronovo, who was crossing at Guyger Avenue, the OCPO said. Kosanke, 39, agreed to submit a blood sample, which revealed the drugs in his system, according to authorities.

Kosanske was arrested Thursday, the OCPO said. During the arrest, police found Xanax packaged for distribution, authorities said.

Detectives also determined through surveillance footage that before police arrived Oct. 19, Kosanke removed heroin from his vehicle. He hid it on the side of the road and retrieved it later, the OCPO said.

Kosanke was charged with vehicular homicide, strict liability vehicular homicide, possession of Xanax with the intent to distribute, Xanax possession, driving while intoxicated and hindering apprehension, the OCPO said. He was taken to the Ocean County Jail.

Castronovo was the founder and longtime owner of Warren's Edgewood Pharmacy. Locals fondly referred to him as "Tom," "TC" or "Mr. C." Edgewood Pharmacy provided everything from T.V. tubes to ice cream and also served as the local post office. Read more: Founder Of Warren's First Pharmacy Hit, Killed By Car

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