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Drew Peterson of Jensen Beach, Florida, was indicted for second-degree vehicular manslaughter, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Wednesday, Nov. 20. A grand jury returned the indictment on Wednesday, Oct. 30 after a forensic toxicologist's review.
Peterson, 34, was accused of causing the crash that killed 50-year-old Robert Johnson of Neptune Township. The wreck happened at around 12:05 a.m. on Friday, Mar. 11, 2022.
Investigators said Peterson drove a 2004 Ford F150 west on Route 33 near the Colts Neck Road intersection. The pickup crossed the centerline, sideswiping an eastbound 2004 Kia Rio.
The Ford continued traveling in the wrong direction before crashing head-on with Johnson, who was heading east in a 2010 Dodge Challenger. The impact caused the pickup to overturn, ejecting Peterson from the Ford.
Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene. The Kia driver wasn't injured.
A Bradley Beach native, Johnson worked as a skilled diesel mechanic with Coca-Cola, according to his obituary from Francioni, Taylor & Lopez Funeral Home. He was survived by his wife Jessica, along with their two children and grandchildren.
Peterson returned to New Jersey and was processed on Monday, Nov. 18.
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