HOWELL – An investigation is continuing into the circumstances surrounding the death of a Marlboro resident in the early morning hours of April 23. Howell police said the man crashed his vehicle after refusing to stop at the direction of an officer.
At about 1 a.m., Sgt. Rich Conte was on Tinton Falls Road when he identified an approaching vehicle traveling 56 mph in a posted 25 mph speed limit zone, according to police.
As Conte turned his patrol vehicle around to initiate a motor vehicle stop, the driver of the approaching vehicle allegedly accelerated onto Asbury Avenue. As Conte attempted to catch up to the vehicle, the driver began passing other motorists in no passing zones and around curves in the road, according to police.
Police said Conte was unable to close the gap on the vehicle and said Conte activated his vehicle’s emergency lights and sirens to make the driver aware of the police presence and to get him to stop.
Police said the driver ignored the lights and sirens and continued driving onto Southard Avenue, accelerating to more than 100 mph and disregarding two red traffic signals in the process.
Conte was still not able to identify the license plate or close the distance on the vehicle he was pursuing.
Police said due to the speed at which that vehicle was traveling, the driver could not negotiate a curve in the road near the Howell Park Golf Course on Southard Avenue and lost control of his vehicle. The vehicle left the road, sideswiped a utility pole and struck a wooden fence and tree.
Police said Conte was not immediately behind the vehicle when the crash occurred, however, he pulled up to the scene shortly thereafter. Conte attempted to perform first aid on the driver, however, according to police it was apparent he was deceased.
The total length of time from Conte’s initial observation of the speeding violation to his arrival at the scene of the crash was about two minutes and 42 seconds, with a distance of approximately 3.3 miles, according to police.
Police identified the driver as Brian Fani, 25, of Marlboro. He was driving a 2009 Subaru Legacy. Police said an autopsy revealed the cause of death to be blunt force trauma and said toxicology results will take several weeks.
The April 23 incident remains under investigation. In accordance with policy, whenever there is a death or serious bodily injury during a pursuit and/or use of force, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office is involved in order to ensure an impartial review and determination of the facts, according to police.
After the prosecutor’s review is completed, the Howell Police Department’s chief and its Internal Affairs unit will conduct a separate investigation to ensure all department policies were followed. Police said Conte will remain on full duty without any restrictions.
Police Chief Andrew Kudrick said, “Regardless of the circumstances, a young man lost his life. We remind everyone the consequences of actions. Legal problems can be resolved. A life cannot be replaced. Sadly, a family has now been forever affected. The Howell Police Department extends our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Fani.”
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Jose Cruz from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Responsibilities Unit at 732-618-7369 or Howell Police Capt. Thomas Rizzo at 732-938-4575, ext. 2237 or [email protected]