Monmouth County Fugitive Arrested For Fatal 2023 Crash

HOWELL – A fugitive has been arrested and charged for a crash in 2023 that took the life of a local man, officials said.

Thomas A. Redding, 45, of Howell is charged with second-degree Death by Auto, third-degree Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a disorderly persons offense.

On July 29, 2023, at around 5 a.m., authorities responded to a three-vehicle collision in the area of Old Mill Road and State Route 138.

According to officials, two vehicles, a 2016 Ford Fusion operated by 55-year-old Leonard Akers of Wall Township and a 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck operated by a 62-year-old male resident of Howell Township, had been fully stopped at a red light when Redding approached them from behind, operating a 2023 Toyota 4Runner.

Redding collided directly into the rear of the car being driven by Akers, launching it into the rear of the pickup truck in front of him and severely damaging both vehicles.

Akers was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for medical treatment, but despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced deceased, officials said.

Authorities later determined that Redding was under the influence of intoxicating substances at the time of the collision, and he was criminally charged earlier this month. He remained at large until members of the Prosecutor’s Office, Wall Township Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested him in Philadelphia on July 29.

Redding currently remains in custody there, pending extradition to New Jersey and future proceedings in Monmouth County Superior Court.

Redding is additionally charged with summonses for Speeding, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving Likely to Endanger Persons or Property, Following Too Closely, Operation of a Motor Vehicle while in Possession of Narcotics, and Driving While Intoxicated.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.