Fugitive from Manchester Accident Apprehended Facing Charges

February 14, 2022

Manchester Twp NJ – At approximately 5:18 pm yesterday, Manchester Police Department received a call from Manchester EMS, who stated that they saw a male fitting the description of the suspect, Roy Deronde.  They reported he was in the area near their headquarters, and further observed him crossover Colonial Dr. and jump the fence into Leisure Village West community.   A short time later Manchester Police Dispatch received additional phone calls from several residents within the Leisure Village West Community reporting that a male fitting Deronde’s description was knocking on their doors and asking them to call a taxi.  Manchester Police arrived on scene and determined that Deronde appeared to be confined to an area between Huntington Dr, State Highway #37 West, Colonial Dr., and Buckingham Dr.   A perimeter was established using all available manpower. The NJSP Aviation Unit and Manchester Drone units were unable to fly due to the weather conditions.  Patrol tracked several sets of footprints in the snow while additional resources were mobilized.  The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department dispatched K-9 units as well as most of their Criminal Investigative Units to the area as well.  Toms River Police Department provided additional support units to assist with securing the perimeter as well.  Further information was developed that Deronde had obtained a ride from within the Leisure Village West Community and was transported to the area of Leisure Village East, in Lakewood.  Officers developed further leads as to Deronde’s whereabouts in conjunction with where he was dropped off.  Manchester Police, Ocean County Sheriff’s Officers, and Lakewood Police responded to the Leisure Village East Community.  A short time later Deronde was apprehended at his residence and placed into custody without incident.  Deronde was lodged in Ocean County Jail on charges of Assault by Auto, Eluding, Leaving the Scene of a crash resulting in injury, Hindering Apprehension and Obstruction of Justice.  


Manchester Twp NJ – On Saturday, February 13, 2022 at approximately 5:56 pm,
officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the intersection
of State Highway 70 and Colonial Drive to investigate a motor vehicle accident involving
three motor vehicles in the intersection.
Upon arrival, officers observed a silver, 2008 Nissan Altima full engulfed in flames
facing west on the eastbound shoulder of State Highway. Officers also found a red,
2018 Mercedes Benz GLC facing west in the eastbound lane of State Highway 70 and a
white, 2019 Jeep Cherokee facing north in the intersection of State Highway 70 and
Colonial Drive. The investigation revealed that the Nissan Altima was traveling
westbound on State Highway 70 at a high rate of speed on the westbound shoulder of
State Highway 70 when the driver ran the red light. The Nissan Altima entered into the
intersection impacting the white Jeep Cherokee, which was traveling south on Colonial
Drive. After impacting the White Jeep Cherokee, the Nissan Altima crossed over the
centerline and struck the Mercedes Benz which was in the eastbound travel lane of
State Highway 70. After striking the Mercedes Benz the Nissan Altima continued to
travel west on State Highway 70 in the eastbound travel before impacting a utility pole
and becoming fully engulfed in flames. The driver of the Nissan Altima, was identified as
Roy Deronde Jr., out of Kingston, PA, who fled on foot from the scene of the accident.
The passenger of the Nissan Altima, was identified as Fannie Kistner, also out of
Kingston, PA who fled the scene on foot but was later found and medical attention was
rendered. Ms. Kistner was transported to Community Medical Center for her injuries.
The driver and passenger of the Mercedes Benz, were identified as Richard and Cathy
Kulaszewski, from Toms River, NJ, who were uninjured from the crash. The driver of the
Jeep Cherokee, was identified as Grace Poli, of Manchester, NJ.
The driver of the Nissan Alitima, Roy Deronde Jr., was charged with, Assault by Auto,
Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Serious Bodily Injury, Hindering

Apprehension and Obstruction of Justice. As the investigation is continuing there is a
potential that Mr. Deronde could be facing additional charges. The whereabouts of Mr.
Deronde are not known, however there is an active warrant for his arrest.
Assisting at the scene were EMTs from the Manchester Township Division of
Emergency Services, volunteer firefighters from Manchester Volunteer Fire Company
and Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, New Jersey Central Power and Light, Ocean
County Sheriff’s Department, Lakehurst Police Department, the New Jersey State
Police Aviation Unit. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but at this point, the
disregard of a traffic control device, and a high rate of speed is the contributing cause of
the motor vehicle accident. This crash is being investigated by Patrolman Conner
Yatauro of the Manchester Township Traffic Safety Unit. Anyone who may have
information as to the whereabouts of Roy Deronde is asked to contact the Manchester
Police at 732-657-6111. As always callers can remain anonymous. Please keep in
mind that, although Roy Derone has been charged criminally, he is innocent until
proven guilty in the Court of Law.