Monday's fatal hit-and-run in Barnegat leaves a township woman jailed and risking five to 10 years in prison if convicted of charges filed by local police.

Cassie Hansen (Ocean Co. Dept. of Corrections)
Cassie Hansen (Ocean Co. Dept. of Corrections)
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Cassie Hansen, 27, was taken into custody Monday evening and charged in connection with the death of Marie Thorne, 61, also of the township.

Thorne was hit while walking Ridgeway Street near Bayview Boulevard at about 7:50 AM, police said. She died a short while later at Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin.

The break in the case came from an anonymous citizen who saw published accounts and spotted the type of vehicle being sought, which was likely a Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban or Tahoe, police said.

The tipster flagged down Patrolman Kyle Cramer at about 4 PM, advising him of a vehicle matching the descrption traveling south on Route 9.

Sergeant Jason Carroll spotted the tan Silverado, bearing front-end passenger-side damage, in a driveway on Center Street.

Hansen faces a second-degree count of knowingly leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in death. She was transferred to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River, in lieu of $150,000 bail. She has no option to be released on payment of 10 percent.

"This investigation was a classic example of the integration of technology with old-school, gum shoe police work," Barnegat Mayor John Novak said in prepared remarks. "The men and women of the Barnegat Police Department consistently perform at a stellar level and this investigation illustrates yet another example of their teamwork and dedication."

Police offer the reminder that charges are accusations. Defendants are considered innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.

Barnegat police and Mayor Novak acknowledge assistance by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and Sheriff's Department, and the support of citizens who stepped up to help the probe.

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