An Atlantic County Grand Jury indicted an Egg Harbor Township man on second-degree charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal accident, as well as third-degree endangering an injured victim on Feb. 1. He was arrested today and bail was set at $100,000, Atlantic County Prosecutor Ted Housel announced.
It is alleged that on Sept. 9, 2010, William Michael Simkins, 31, struck and killed Jacob Broschard, 16, of Egg Harbor Township, while the teen was riding his bicycle with two other teens from Royal Avenue in Egg Harbor Township onto Jerome Avenue. It is further alleged that Simkins struck Broschard on Jerome Avenue then continued on Robert Best Road without stopping to check on the victim or render aid, according to Assistant Prosecutor Diane Ruberton who presented the case to the Grand Jury.
Two hours after the incident, Egg Harbor Township Police Officers arrested Simkins at the police station where Simkins was charged with motor vehicle violations including reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident, Assistant Prosecutor Ruberton said.
Prosecutor’s Office Sgt. Kevin Hincks conducted the investigation along with members of the Egg Harbor Township Police Department.
A second-degree crime carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $150,000. A third-degree crime carries a maximum of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
