High-speed crash in Howell leaves Marlboro driver dead

A Marlboro 25-year-old dies behind the wheel in Howell, careening into a pole, a fence and a tree after allegedly trying to outrun police at more than 100 miles per hour well before dawn Sunday.

Brian Fani lost control of his Subaru Legacy on Southard Avenue, near the Howell Golf Course, police said. His autopsy report revealed blunt force trauma. Police said that toxicology test results are due in several weeks.

In accord with established procedure, the incident undergoes reveiw by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, Chief Andrew Kudrick and the Howell PD Internal Affairs Bureau. Sergeant Conte remains on unrestricted duty.

Sergeant Rich Conte, on Tinton Falls Road at about 1 AM on April 16, clocked Fani's oncoming vehicle at 56 miles per hour in a 25 mile-per-hour zone, police said.

Conte turned his squad car in Fani's direction to initiate a road stop, and Fani sped onto Asbury Avenue, passing drivers in no-passing zones and on curves, police said.

Conte, still unable to close the gap enough to identify the license plates, activated his lights and siren, and Fani continued onto Southard Avenue.

Police said he ignored two red traffic signals, exceeded 100 MPH, lost control on the curve, sideswiped the utility pole, and hit the fence and tree.

Conte attempted first-aid when he arrived soon afterward, police said. They calculated the elapsed time from Conte's first observation to be two minutes, 42 seconds, in a distance of 3.3 miles.

“Regardless of the circumstances, a young man lost his life," Kudrick said in prepared remarks. "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.”

Information regarding the incident and crash can be given to Detective Cruz of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Professional Responsibilities Unit, 732-618-7369. Information can be e-mailed to Howell PD Captain Rizzo or phoned to him at 732-938-4575, ext. 2237.