Howell man charged in death of Wall man in collision that happened a year ago

A Howell man has been charged with death by auto and cocaine possession in a crash in Wall that claimed the life of 55-year-old man a year ago.

Thomas A. Redding, 45, was charged earlier this month but was a fugitive until U.S. marshals captured him in Philadelphia early Monday, Monmouth County First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso and Wall Township Police Chief Sean O’Halloran said in a statement Tuesday.

Redding is in custody in Pennsylvania, pending extradition to New Jersey.

At about 5 a.m. on July 29, 2023, Wall police were called to a three-vehicle crash at Old Mill Road and Route 138. They found a 2016 Ford Fusion, driven by Leonard Akers of Wall, and a 2016 Dodge Ram pickup driven by a 62-year-old Howell man whose name has not been released.

Both the Fusion and the pickup were stopped at a red light when Redding, driving a 2023 Toyota 4Runner, slammed into the back of Akers car, pushing him into the pickup truck in front of him, authorities said.

Both the Fusion and the pickup were severely damaged, authorities said. Akers was rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center where lifesaving efforts failed.

Nothing was mentioned about the condition of Redding's vehicle.

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Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team, the prosecutor’s office, and Wall police investigated and found that Redding was under the influence when the crash occurred.

Lawyer information for Redding was not immediately available.

Redding also drew motor vehicle 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.

Ken Serrano covers breaking news, crime and investigations. Reach him at 732-643-4029 or kserrano@gannettnj.com .

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Howell man charged in death of Wall man in collision that happened a year ago