Trending Topics

NJ detective dies from injuries suffered in on-duty crash

Detective was driving an undercover vehicle Jan. 8 when he veered off the road, striking a tree

ocart.jpg

Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Image

Duty Death: John Scott Stevens - [Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office]

End of Service: 21/01/2015

By Alex Wigglesworth
Philly.com

LACEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A detective from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office died early Wednesday from injuries he suffered in a Lacey Township crash two weeks earlier.

Detective John Scott Stevens, 44, passed away shortly after 3:30 a.m., the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office announced in a news release.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and loved ones, and pledge our continued support to his family during this most difficult time,” Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato said in a statement.

Stevens was on duty Thursday, Jan. 8, as he drove a 2004 Honda Civic undercover vehicle east on Dover Road, prosecutors said.

Shortly before 11 a.m., he “abruptly” crossed the westbound lane and veered off the road, striking a tree, according to investigators.

He was flown to Jersey Shore Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition until he succumbed to his injuries.

It wasn’t clear what caused him to lose control of the vehicle.

Stevens, of Forked River, would have marked 15 years serving the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office in April, according to the release.

He most recently worked with the office’s Special Operations Group, which investigates gang, firearm and narcotics activity.

Copyright 2015 Philly.com

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU