Toms River Woman Killed In Head-On Crash

Authorities say a woman being driven home by her husband after she was involved in a minor auto accident was killed when their pickup truck was struck head-on by a van in Toms River.

Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy says that 71-year-old Jean McCarthy died at a hospital shortly after the crash occurred around 7 p.m. Saturday. Her 74-year-old husband, Ed, was flown to another hospital and remained in serious condition on Sunday.

Mastronardy said the van driver, 28-year-old Abel Hernandez of Lakewood, fled the scene on foot but was soon captured nearby. He faces numerous charges, including death by auto and DUI. Hernandez is also being held on a detainer from ICE due to his illegal status.

Jean McCarthy was not injured in the earlier accident, which happened not far from the fatal crash scene.
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