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Toms River Man Pleads Guilty In Hit-Run Crash That Killed Lakewood Teen

A Toms River man faces a plea-bargained seven years in state prison after admitting he left the scene of a crash that killed a 15-year-old Lakewood boy last fall, authorities said.

Alexander Politan

Alexander Politan

Photo Credit: Ocean County Prosector's Office

In addition to "knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death," Alexander Politan, 31, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Toms River to driving with a suspended license, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Jesus Lopez-Grande, 15, of Lakewood, and his father, Jesus Lopez-Ramirez, 37, also of Lakewood, were walking near the shoulder of Oak Street when they were struck around 9:20 p.m. last October 4.

The father sustained an injury to his elbow, while his son was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

Detectives found debris at the scene that matched a 2014 Jeep Cherokee parked in a driveway on New Hampshire Avenue in Toms River, they said.

Politan, who was eventually identified as the driver, has remained held in the Ocean County Jail since his Oct. 8 arrest.

Sentencing was scheduled for April 17.

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