Barnegat man hit, killed on Route 18 in Neptune

A Barnegat man is dead after being run down by a vehicle Tuesday on Route 18 in Neptune Township. No charges have been filed in connection with it.

According to information from the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, Frederick Koester, 71, was hit while crossing the northbound lanes of the highway, from the shoulder toward the center median. Investigators blocked the northbound lanes between Routes 66 and 33.

No fault was found on the driver's part, authorities said, and no charges are expected to ensue. Authorities did not elaborate or speculate on why Koester was attempting to cross the highway.

Detectives with the Prosecutor's Office, the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART) and Neptune Township police are continuing their investigations.

The probe is being handled by Monmouth County Detecive Eric Kerecman, 1-800-533-7443; and Neptune PD Sergeant Michael Zarro, 732-988-8000, ext. 433.