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Douglas Thompson's charges stem from an Oct. 15, 2019, drunk driving crash that killed Thomas Marciano, 65, of Toms River, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer.
Marciano was stopped behind another vehicle making a left-hand turn near Route 9 and Stevens Road when his car was struck from behind by a vehicle operated by Thompson, police said.
Marciano was transported to Community Medical Center and subsequently flown to Jersey Shore Medical Center due to the gravity of his injuries. He ultimately died from those injuries on Oct. 28, 2019.
After the crash, Thompson submitted to chemical breath testing which revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .17 percent – more than double the legal limit, police said.
Thompson was initially charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, careless driving and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license, according to Billhimer.
As a result of Marciano’s death 13 days after the crash, Thompson was additionally charged with vehicular homicide and strict liability homicide on Nov. 8, 2019.
He was arrested at his home in Jackson by members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Toms River Township Police Department.
Billhimer thanked the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Toms River EMS, and Silverton EMS for their assistance.
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