Pedestrian Struck and Killed on Route 37 in Toms River

Toms River Police say a pedestrian crossing Route 37 near the Mathis Bridge to the Barrier Island, was struck and killed by a vehicle last night.

Toms River Police will identify the pedestrian only as a 50-year-old from Bladenboro, North Carolina who was staying at a local hotel.

The driver is 20-year-old Mark Montesano of Toms River who was driving a 2004 Mazda.  No word on any charges against him.

Saturday night's accident was the fifth crash involving fatalities on Route 37 this year and the third with a pedestrian, according to Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy.

The pedestrian was struck by Montesano's vehicle in the eastbound lane, forcing officials to limit traffic into one lane.

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and Ocean County Sheriff's Department are assisting the Toms River Police with the investigation.