Police are on the hunt for a hit-and-run driver who struck and killed an elderly man Monday evening in South Toms River, New Jersey.
William Gaughan, 84, of South Toms River had just purchased lottery tickets shortly before 6 p.m. and was walking home on Dover Road at the intersection of Chamberlain Street. Suddenly, police say, he was struck by a small black or dark-colored vehicle traveling eastbound.
Police say the striking vehicle did not stop at the scene and instead continued east on Dover Road, possibly entering the Garden State Parkway northbound.
A witness called 911 and Gaughan was airlifted to the Jersey Shore University Medical Center. He later died from severe head and body trauma.
Benny Thaker, a friend of Gaughan who works at the store where he purchased the lottery tickets moments before the crash, is still in disbelief.
“He’s like my brother,” Thaker said. “I’m still thinking about him and how it happened.”
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Meanwhile, Mike Corrente, another friend of Gaughan, is outraged.
“To hit one person is something,” said Corrente. “But to leave the scene of an accident is an absolutely terrible thing.”
Police say the vehicle may have damage to its front passenger side and windshield. They continue to try and track down the driver.
“A terrible, terrible person,” said Corrente. “My God, even if it is an accident, stop and help! You gotta do something! You can’t just run away!”
If you have any information on the driver’s whereabouts, please call South Toms River Police Department Det. William Kosh at 732-349-0313 or Ocean County Prosecutor’s Det. Craig Ally at 732-814-4821.
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