JACKSON – A Jackson resident has pleaded guilty to second degree vehicular homicide in a crash that claimed the life of an off-duty Watchung police officer.
Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office spokesman Al Della Fave said Jason Wolek, 39, entered his plea during a hearing on June 1.
The accident occurred just before 6 p.m. June 7, 2014. Authorities said Wolek was driving a 2000 Ford Ranger pickup truck west on East Veterans Highway.
Christopher Hoffmann, 28, of Brick Township, was driving a 2011 Suzuki motorcycle east on East Veterans Highway.
Authorities said Wolek attempted to make a left turn onto South Hope Chapel Road when his truck was struck by Hoffmann’s motorcycle.
Police said conditions at the time of the accident were clear and dry in full daylight.
Emergency responders transported Hoffmann to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Wolek was initially charged with failure to yield, driving an uninsured vehicle, reckless driving, driving with a suspended driver’s license and causing a death or injury while driving with a suspended driver’s license.
Wolek was subsequently indicted on a charge of vehicular homicide.
Wolek has been incarcerated ever since his arrest following the accident. His sentencing is scheduled for July 27.