Lakewood Teen ID'd In Fatal Hit-And-Run; Reward Offered

LAKEWOOD, NJ — The Lakewood Board of Education attorney Michael Inzelbuch is offering a $3,600 reward for information in the fatal hit-and-run that killed a 15-year-old Lakewood student on Friday night.

Inzelbuch identified the teen as Jesus Lopez-Grande, a student at Lakewood High School, as he announced the reward on Saturday night. He also announced the school will have counselors available on Sunday and will have a candlelight vigil for the teen on Sunday evening.

Lopez-Grande was killed Friday night when he and his father, Jesus Lopez-Ramirez, 37, were hit as they walked east along Oak Street.

Authorities are seeking tips and information on a newer dark-colored Jeep Cherokee that is believed to be the vehicle that hit them about 9 p.m. Friday. It was last seen headed south on Albert Street, Lakewood Capt. Gregory Staffordsmith said.

Inzelbuch announced the reward on Saturday night, offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the driver who was behind the wheel.

Lopez-Ramirez suffered an elbow injury and was taken to the hospital, but his son suffered significant bodily injury and died at the scene despite efforts to save his life, Staffordsmith said.

Inzelbuch said the district will have counseling services available starting at 4 p.m. for students and families mourning Lopez-Grande at Lakewood High School on Sunday. The candlelight vigil is set for 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot at Lakewood High School to wind up the counseling services, he said.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact Lt. Leroy Marshall at 732-364-2400, ext. 5349 immediately.

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