TOMS RIVER — Authorities have arrested a 40-year-old Warren man in connection with a nighttime boating collision on Barnegat Bay that left one passenger dead and three others injured last month.
Kevin M. Wells was taken into custody Aug. 28 and charged with reckless death by vehicle or vessel, commonly referred to as vehicular homicide. Municipal court records also show Wells faces two counts of assault by vessel related to allegations that the vessel was operated while intoxicated or that a breath test was refused.
Wells remained lodged in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River while awaiting a detention hearing. Court records did not identify an attorney representing him.
New Jersey State Police said the fatal collision happened shortly after 10:40 p.m. July 25. Wells was allegedly operating a 32-foot Boston Whaler when the boat collided with a channel marker along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Following the impact, the vessel was brought to a residence along Silver Lagoon Drive in Toms River, where first responders met those aboard.
Michael T. Bereheiko, 26, of Green Brook, was transported for medical treatment but was later pronounced dead.
Two additional passengers suffered serious injuries. Police identified them as Steven Pochick, 27, of Green Brook, and Nicholas Cherasaro, 27, of North Plainfield. Another passenger, Sarah Stull, 24, of Berkeley, sustained injuries described as minor.
Authorities have not provided subsequent updates on the conditions of the surviving passengers.
The July 25 incident was the third deadly boating collision reported on Barnegat Bay this summer in which a vessel struck a channel marker.
The charges are accusations, and Wells is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
