Investigation underway after fatal hit-and-run involving bicyclist in Lakewood, NJ

An investigation is just underway into a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred in Lakewood Township on Thursday evening.

The accident and preliminary details of the fatal accident were announced on Friday by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer and Lakewood Police and Chief Gregory Meyer.

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and Lakewood Township Police are asking for your help now as they look into the hit-and-run that claimed the life of a bicyclist on Thursday night around 8:12 pm at the Route 70 and New Hampshire Avenue intersection.

“We are seeking assistance in locating a full size, four door ‘Pepsi Blue’ pick-up truck with possible front, driver’s side headlamp damage. The vehicle was last seen traveling west on Route 70 toward Manchester Township and is believed to be involved the fatal hit and run of a Hispanic male that was riding his bicycle westbound on Route 70 on the south shoulder of the roadway. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the vehicle and/or its operator is asked to please contact Detective Andrew Harnett of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office- Vehicular Homicide Unit at 732-929-2027, ext. 3790, or Lakewood Township Police Lieutenant Leroy Marshall at 732-363-0200, ext. 5349,” Prosecutor Billhimer said in a written statement. "This is obviously an ongoing and active investigation and any assistance from anyone that may have witnessed this incident or has seen this vehicle would be greatly appreciated."

This was the second reported accident on Thursday on Route 70 in Ocean County.

Earlier in the day, an Acura TLX turned left onto Route 571 at the intersection of Route 70 and collided with a Ford Mustang who was traveling along Route 70.

The driver of the Acura TLX is currently in critical condition after suffering internal injuries.

This crash remains under investigation by the Manchester Township Police Department.