Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard

Detective dies from injuries suffered in N.J. crash

John Scott Stevens, a detective from the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, died from injuries he suffered in a in Lacey Township, N.J. car crash.

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.

Funeral arrangements had not yet been announced Wednesday.