45-Year-Old Howell Man Wanted For Causing The Death Of A Man In A 2023 Motor Vehicle Crash Apprehended

Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 6:30 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ.- A fugitive wanted in connection with causing a July 29, 2023, Wall Township, New Jersey, multi-vehicle crash that claimed the 55-year-old Wall Township man was apprehended on Monday in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

     According to Monmouth County First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso, Thomas A. Redding, 45, of Howell Township, New Jersey, was taken into custody early Monday morning and has been formally charged with second-degree Death by Auto; third-degree Possession of Cocaine; and a Disorderly Persons Offense of Possessing Drug Paraphernalia. Redding remains detained in Pennsylvania pending extradition to New Jersey.

     The charges stem from an investigation that began on Saturday, July 29, 2023, when, at approximately 5:00 a.m., members of the Wall Township Police Department responded to a 911 Emergency Call reporting a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Route 138 and Old Mill Road in the Township.

     Upon arrival, Police Officers located and learned that Leonard Akers, 55, of Wall Township, was driving a 2016 Ford Fusion, and an unidentified 62-year-old Howell Township man was driving a 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck. The vehicles had been fully stopped at a red light when Redding approached them from behind, driving a 2023 Toyota 4Runner.

     Redding failed to stop and collided with the rear of the Fusion driven by Mr. Akers, pushing it into the rear of the Dodge Ram in front of him, severely damaging both vehicles and critically injuring Mr. Akers, who was immediately transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where despite life-saving measures, Akers tragically succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

     An extensive investigation led by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Wall Township Police Department, with the assistance of the New Jersey State Police, revealed that Redding was driving under the influence of intoxicating substances when he failed to stop and collided with Mr. Akers vehicle, that ultimately caused his death.

     Following the investigation, Redding was criminally charged earlier this month and remained at large until he was apprehended in Philadelphia early Monday morning, July 29, 2024, by members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Wall Township Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Force.

     Redding has been additionally charged with motor vehicle summonses for Speeding; Reckless Driving; Careless Driving Likely to Endanger Persons or Property; Following to Closely; and Driving While Intoxicated.

     Upon extradition back to Monmouth County, New Jersey, Redding will face trial on the charges in Superior Court and, if convicted, will face up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”