Driver Search In Fatal Lakewood Hit-Run Ongoing As Teen Mourned​

LAKEWOOD, NJ — Authorities are continuing to search for the driver of a Jeep Cherokee that hit and killed a Lakewood teenager on Friday night.

The vehicle believed to be the one that hit and killed Jesús López Grande on Friday night as he walked along Oak Street with his father was seized on Sunday, Lakewood Capt. Gregory Staffordsmith said.

It was found at a home in Toms River, but police have not released the address where it was found or the names of possible suspects. The person who was driving the Jeep Cherokee has not yet been arrested.

"We encourage the individual to turn himself in, because it's only a matter of time," Lakewood Police Chief Gregory Meyer said to the Lakewood Scoop. Meyer said detectives and the traffic safety division have been working around the clock since Friday night to find the driver.

Staffordsmith late Monday afternoon issued a statement saying they have not released information about the driver because the investigation is not complete.

"We have not released the name of the deceased, nor have we released any information with regard to the operator of the vehicle. This is an active investigation and that information will be released when appropriate," Staffordsmith said.

López Grande, 15, was identified Sunday as the victim by Michael Inzelbuch, the attorney for the Lakewood School District.

López Grande and his father, Jesús López Ramirez, 37, were hit as they walked east along Oak Street about 9 p.m. on Friday. The Jeep Cherokee had left the area, and was last seen headed south on Albert Avenue, Staffordsmith said. The two were walking home after López Grande, finished his shift at Dunkin Donuts, NJ.com reported.

López Grande, a student at Lakewood High School, died at the scene of multiple injuries. His father suffered an elbow injury and was taken to an area hospital, Staffordsmith said.

"He was the most wonderful boy, the most beautiful," López Ramírez told the Asbury Park Press in a report published Monday. "He was a smart boy, full of life with plans for his future."

The Jeep Cherokee "came out nowhere and hit me in the arm," he told the Press"I looked around and found my son lifeless on the ground." You can read more of that interview here.

At a candlelight vigil attended by more than 100 people on Sunday evening, López Grande was remembered as a good friend and a hard worker who played tennis and soccer and ran track, CBS New York reported.

Staffordsmith said Detective Lt. LeRoy Marshall found the black 2014 Jeep Cherokee parked in a driveway in Toms River about 1 p.m. Sunday after following up on a tip received in the case. Anyone with information in the case can reach Marshall at 732-364-2400, ext. 5349.

Michael Inzelbuch, the attorney for the Lakewood Board of Education, offered a $3,600 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver in the incident.

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