Vehicle In Fatal Hit-And-Run Found In Toms River: Lakewood Police

LAKEWOOD, NJ — Lakewood police have taken custody of a Jeep Cherokee in connection with the fatal hit-and-run on Friday night that killed a 15-year-old Lakewood boy.

The Jeep was found at a home in Toms River about 1 p.m. on Sunday as Detective Lt. Leroy Marshall followed up on information the police department received about the crash, Lakewood Capt. Gregory Staffordsmith said.

Police had been searching for a newer, dark-colored Jeep Cherokee that hit Jesus Lopez-Grande, 15, and his father, Jesus Lopez-Ramirez, 37, were hit as they walked east along Oak Street about 9 p.m. on Friday. The Jeep had left the area, and was last seen headed south on Albert Avenue, Staffordsmith said.

Lopez-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.

A black 2014 Jeep Cherokee believed to be the vehicle that hit the father and son was found at a home in Toms River about 1 p.m. and Lakewood police took the vehicle back to the township, he said.

News that the vehicle had been located was released just as counselors were gathering at Lakewood High School to offer support to students and families who are grieving the loss of the teenager.

A candlelight vigil was set for 6:30 p.m. on Sunday to honor the boy's memory.

Staffordsmith said the investigation is continuing and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

"We would like to thank the public for their outpouring concern and assistance," he said.

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.

Have a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com Follow Lakewood Patch on Facebook.