Lacey fatal crash probe focus shifts to missing driver

The driver believed to have triggered Tuesday's fatal crash on Route 539 in Lacey Township is now the focus of the investigation. Authorities at the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office seek your help in the search.

Joseph Matthews of Robbinsville was killed, and his wife Nancy was seriously injured in the crash that occurred when his car veered into oncoming traffic.

Witnesses that day reported seeing a maroon-colored vehicle speeding northbound on the highway, passing numerous vehicles, even passing several at one clip.

The maroon vehicle was seen cutting in front of Matthews's car near mile marker 16, forcing him to swerve into the oncoming side, authorities said.

If you know of the situation, the car or the driver, contact Detective Mike Proto of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, 732-929-2027, ext. 3144; or Lacey Township Patrolman Michael Verwey, 609-693-6636.