California Man Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run of E-Bike Rider in Mt. Laurel

A tragic hit-and-run incident in Mount Laurel Township, New Jersey, has led to the arrest of a California man. Thair Maroki, aged 40 and residing in El Cajon, California, is now facing serious charges in connection with the death of an e-bike rider.

Incident Overview

Authorities reported that Maroki has been charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident. The accident occurred early Monday morning around 12:15 a.m. on Route 73.

Victim Identification

The victim has been identified as 49-year-old Anthony Caprio III from Magnolia. Caprio was riding his electric bicycle along the shoulder of the road when he was struck by Maroki’s vehicle.

Details of the Hit-and-Run

Mount Laurel Police responded to a call regarding an unresponsive man found lying on the southbound shoulder of Route 73. Investigators determined that Caprio was dragged for approximately a quarter-mile before the vehicle returned to the scene shortly after the accident.

Investigation Progress

Using surveillance footage obtained from local businesses and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, detectives identified the suspect’s vehicle as a white 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Police were able to track the vehicle’s movements through Passaic and Bergen counties.

On Thursday afternoon, the vehicle was located by Lyndhurst police, and the driver, Maroki, was detained. He is currently held at Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly, with a court appearance scheduled for Tuesday.

Family Impact

The loss has been devastating for Caprio’s family. His mother, Michele Caprio, shared that her son had intended to take a short ride to meet a friend. She expressed her distress over his decision to go out that night, stating that he was days away from his 50th birthday.

• Victim: Anthony Caprio III, 49, from Magnolia
• Suspect: Thair Maroki, 40, from El Cajon, California
• Date of incident: Monday, approximately 12:15 a.m.
• Charges: Second-degree vehicular homicide; second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident
• Vehicle: White 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Location: Route 73, Mount Laurel Township, NJ

Michele expressed her ongoing grief, recounting the terrible moment when she learned of her son’s accident. “I’m just in shock. I haven’t really cried because I’m just like in shock,” she said. Caprio’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the risks e-bike riders face on the road.