Toms River Man Charged In 91-MPH Fatal Crash: Prosecutor

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Toms River man was driving 91 mph when he crashed into a Lakewood man's car in March, killing the man, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said Wednesday.

Alejandro Huerta-Arias, 23, of Toms River, has been charged with vehicular homicide in the March 9 crash in Lakewood that killed Mark Mandel, 32, of Lakewood, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Huerta-Arias was driving north on Madison Avenue, also known as Route 9, about 8:15 a.m. in a 2012 Infiniti G35 when he hit the 2008 Chevrolet Impala being driven by Mandel, authorities said. Mandel was southbound at the time and was trying to turn left onto Courtney Road, authorities said. Mandel died at the scene from the impact, authorities said.

Huerta-Arias's Infiniti hit a traffic signal and he suffered a broken leg and was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, Billhimer said.

Further investigation showed the Infiniti was traveling at an average of 91 mph at the time of the crash, more than double the 40 mph posted speed limit, Billhimer said.

Huerta-Arias was charged Tuesday and surrendered himself at Lakewood Township Police Headquarters, Billhimer said. He is being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department and its Traffic Safety Unit, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit investigated.