A Pleasantville woman, who was determined to be under the influence of marijuana and speeding, has been arrested and is facing first degree aggravated manslaughter and first degree vehicular homicide in a school zone charges in connection to a fatal crash in 2018.

Kaitlyn Hayes - Photo: ACPO
Kaitlyn Hayes - Photo: ACPO
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Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced on Thursday that 24-year-old Kaitlyn Hayes of Pleasantville was arrested yesterday.

According to the prosecutor's office,

...a crash involving 2 cars occurred on December 19, 2018 at approximately 11:38 P.M. on Pitney Road in the area of Connecticut Avenue in Absecon. The impact occurred in a designated school zone within 1000 feet of the H. Ashton Marsh Elementary School. A vehicle, operated by Kaitlyn Hayes, 24, of Pleasantville was traveling southbound on Pitney Road when it crossed over into the northbound lane and struck another vehicle head-on, that was operated by Suzana Kocick, 36, of Galloway. Kocick was pronounced deceased at the scene. Hayes was transported to an area hospital for treatment. An investigation determined that Hayes’ 2017 Ford Expedition vehicle was traveling at a speed of 106 mph in the 2 seconds prior to the crash, and 104 mph at impact. Toxicology tests revealed Hayes’ blood was positive for marijuana.

In a statement, Tyner said, "We cannot emphasize enough the importance of refraining from driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Very simply, if you drive while impaired, it is more likely that someone will be injured or killed. The risk is too great to ignore."

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