May 29, 2023
SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that, Giancarlos Fernandez, 19, of Hasbrouck Heights, was charged with Assault by Auto and Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash with Serious Injuries, in connection with a pedestrian strike that occurred in Seaside Heights on May 26, 2023.
On May 26, 2023, at approximately 6:50 p.m., Seaside Heights Police responded to the area of Barnegat Avenue and Freemont Avenue for a report of a pedestrian being struck by a motor vehicle. Responding Officers discovered that a 2012 Infinity G37, being operated by Fernandez, was traveling west on Freemont Avenue at a high rate of speed when he struck an eleven year-old male riding is bicycle. Upon impact the eleven year-old male became embedded in the windshield of the vehicle and was eventually thrown to the pavement. The eleven year-old victim was air lifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of serious injuries. He is currently listed in stable condition.
Following the crash, Fernandez exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by Seaside Heights Police Department Detectives a few blocks away. Once apprehended, Seaside Heights Police administered standardized field sobriety tests to Fernandez. Fernandez was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where a warrant was obtained for a draw of his blood. Fernandez was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Seaside Heights Police Department, Seaside Heights Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their assistance in this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
