Man Killed In Route 9 Crash In Howell Identified

HOWELL, NJ — A 53-year-old Freehold man who was killed early Saturday as he crossed Route 9 has been identified.

Juan Santiago Lopez, 53, of Freehold, was the man who died when he as hit as he crossed the southbound lanes of Route 9 at the intersection of New Friendship Road at 12:36 a.m. Saturday, the Monmouth County prosecutor's office confirmed Sunday.

Santiago Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:08 a.m.; he was hit by a 2010 Mini Cooper driven by Juanean Perez, 21, of Jackson Township, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said in a news release.

Howell Township Police Chief Andrew J. Kudrick Jr. said the man was discovered by Howell Patrolman Michael Maccia, who was headed north on Route 9 and was forced to swerve to avoid what appeared to be a blanket in the road. Maccia quickly realized it wasn't a blanket but a human body, turned around and discovered vehicle debris and a backpack lying in the southbound lanes.

Perez, whose car sustained a broken headlight and damage to the windshield, was charged with driving under the influence, and additional charges are possible, authorities said.

The crash remains under investigation, Gramiccioni said. Anyone who witnessed the accident or has information is urged to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Detective Kristian DeVito at 800-533-7443 or Howell Police Department Officer Matthew Cherney at 732-938-4575.

Image via Howell Township Police Department