Key Takeaways
- A California man, Thair Maroki, has been charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident in connection with the hit-and-run death of a New Jersey man riding an electric bicycle.
- The victim, Anthony Caprio III, 49, was struck by a white 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee while riding his e-bike on the shoulder of Route 73 in Mount Laurel Township.
- The suspect vehicle was identified through surveillance video and was later located in Lyndhurst, where the driver, Maroki, was taken into custody.
- The victim’s family has spoken out about their loss, with his mother describing the moments after realizing something was wrong and expressing her shock and grief.
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic incident occurred in Mount Laurel Township, New Jersey, when a man riding an electric bicycle was struck and killed by a vehicle in a hit-and-run accident. The victim, Anthony Caprio III, 49, was riding his e-bike on the shoulder of Route 73 when he was hit by a white 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The driver of the vehicle, Thair Maroki, 40, of El Cajon, California, has been charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident. The incident occurred on Monday at around 12:15 a.m., and police were called to the scene after receiving a report of an unresponsive man lying along the roadway.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation into the incident was led by the Mount Laurel Police Department, with the assistance of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and other law enforcement agencies. Using surveillance video from nearby businesses and the turnpike authority, detectives were able to identify the suspect vehicle and track its movements. The vehicle was found to have dragged the victim for approximately a quarter mile down Route 73 before leaving the scene. In a surprising turn of events, the vehicle returned to the scene shortly after the crash, approximately 20 minutes later. This was captured on body-worn camera footage by responding officers. The vehicle was later located in Lyndhurst, and the driver, Maroki, was taken into custody and transported to the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly.
Impact on the Victim’s Family
The incident has had a devastating impact on the victim’s family, who are still struggling to come to terms with their loss. The victim’s mother, Michele Caprio, described the moments after realizing something was wrong, saying she was in shock and hadn’t cried because she was still trying to process the news. She had pleaded with her son not to go for a bike ride that night, but he had wanted to visit a friend at a nearby Wawa convenience store. The victim was just days away from his 50th birthday, which makes the loss even more difficult for the family to bear. The family is seeking closure and justice, and the arrest of the suspect has brought them some sense of relief.
Community Response and Support
The incident has also had an impact on the community, with many people expressing their condolences and support for the victim’s family. The Mount Laurel Police Department has been praised for their thorough investigation and swift action in apprehending the suspect. The department’s lieutenant, Thomas Corsanico, expressed his sympathy for the victim’s family and acknowledged the difficulty of the timing of the incident, coming as it does during the holiday season. The community is coming together to support the family and to raise awareness about the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to be vigilant and responsible.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to be aware of their surroundings and to take responsibility for their actions. The arrest of the suspect and the charges brought against him are a step towards justice for the victim’s family, but the healing process will be long and difficult. The community will continue to support the family and to advocate for greater awareness and action to prevent such incidents in the future. The case will now proceed through the courts, with the suspect’s court appearance scheduled for Tuesday. As the family and community continue to grapple with the aftermath of the incident, they will be seeking justice, closure, and a sense of peace.