Atlantic County Grand Jury Charges Driver With Leaving Scene Of Deadly Crash That Killed 63-Year-Old Man

Saturday, February 21, 2026, 11:10 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

ABSECON, NJ.- An Atlantic County grand jury has indicted a New Jersey Transit bus driver in connection with a fatal pedestrian crash that claimed the life of a 63-year-old Absecon man late last year, authorities announced.

     Christopher L. Younger, 41, of Pleasantville, New Jersey, was formally indicted on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, on one count of second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle crash, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.

     The indictment stems from a deadly incident that occurred on November 30, 2025, at approximately 5:59 p.m., along Shore Road in Absecon.

Fatal Collision On Shore Road;

     Investigators say Thomas V. Kyle, 63, of Absecon, was attempting to cross Shore Road when he was struck by a New Jersey Transit bus. Kyle suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

     Prosecutors allege that Younger was operating the bus involved in the collision and failed to stop or remain at the scene following the impact, a violation that elevated the case to a second-degree criminal offense under New Jersey law.

     Second-degree charges in New Jersey carry potential penalties of five to ten years in state prison, along with significant fines, if a conviction is secured.

Investigation And indictment;

     The fatal crash investigation was jointly conducted by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Crash Investigations Unit and the Absecon Police Department. Authorities have not released additional details regarding surveillance evidence, vehicle data, or witness statements presented to the grand jury.

     Younger is employed as a bus driver with New Jersey Transit, the state-run public transportation agency that operates bus and rail service throughout New Jersey and the surrounding region.

     Officials have not disclosed whether Younger has been placed on administrative leave or whether New Jersey Transit has taken disciplinary action pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

Next Steps In The Case;

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. It represents a determination by a grand jury that sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial. Younger is expected to be arraigned in Atlantic County Superior Court, where a judge will address bail conditions and set future court dates.

     Prosecutors declined to comment further, citing the ongoing nature of the case.

Editor’s Note:

All information in this report is based on official statements and charging documents released by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. Criminal defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Englebrook Independent News will continue to follow this case and report verified developments as they become available.