Driver Was DUI In Crash That Killed NJ Lieutenant's Wife, 3-Year-Old Daughter: Prosecutor

An Ocean County man was under the influence of drugs when he caused the crash that killed the wife and daughter of a New Jersey corrections officer over the summer, authorities announced.

Denise James was pronounced dead at the scene while 3-year-old Lily became an organ donor.
Photo Credit: *Jersey Coast Emergency News (background and bottom inset)/Denise James Facebook*

by Jon Craig & Cecilia Levine

12/16/2022 1:27 p.m.

Thomas F. Polson, 53, of Little Egg Harbor, was in a Ford F350 pickup truck when he left the southbound lane on Siloam Road and struck an SUV before slamming into Denise James' minivan head-on on July 14 in Freehold, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said.

James, 42, was pronounced dead at the scene while her 3-year-old daughter with Lt. Craig James died at a local hospital, and became an organ donor.

Polson was charged with vehicular homicide, hindering apprehension and assault by auto on Friday, Dec. 16, Santiago said.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Northern Highlands and receive free news updates.