A 25-year-old Marlboro man died early Sunday after he crashed his car while trying to evade a police officer, authorities said.
HOWELL -- A 25-year-old Marlboro man died after he crashed his car early Sunday while trying to evade authorities, police said.
Brian Fani was pronounced dead at the scene after he ran his 2009 Subaru Legacy off the road at a bend in the road on Southard Avenue near the Howell Golf Course, side-swiped a utility pole and crashed into a wooden fence and tree, Howell police said in a statement.
The police pursuit started around 1 a.m. after Howell police Sgt. Rich Conte saw Fani driving 56 mph in a 25 mph speed-limit zone on Tinton Falls Road, police said. The total pursuit spanned 3.3 miles and lasted nearly 3 minutes, police said.
When Conte attempted to catch up to Fani, he accelerated on Asbury Avenue, passing other drivers in "no-passing" zones and around curves in the roadway, police said. Conte then flipped on his emergency lights and tried to stop him, but Fani continued to speed away, reaching speeds of more than 100 mph and blowing through two red lights, according to police.
Conte was unable to get close enough to Fani's Subaru to identify a license plate number, and eventually lost track of the vehicle, police said.
Conte was not behind Fani when the crash occurred, police said. When he pulled up to the crash, Conte attempted to provide first-aid to Fani but his attempts were unsuccessful, police said.
Police said an autopsy found that Fani died of blunt-force trauma. Toxicology reports won't be available for several weeks, police said.
The crash remains under investigation. Howell police said, per policy, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office is involved to "ensure an impartial review and determination of the facts."
Once the prosecutor's office's review is complete, the Howell Police Department's Internal Affairs Unit and chief will conduct a separate investigation.
Conte will remain on full duty during the investigation, police said.
Howell police Chief Andrew Kudrick said in a statement that the department "extends our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Fani."
"Regardless of the circumstances, a young man lost his life," Kudrick said. "We remind everyone the consequences of actions. Legal problems can be resolved. A life cannot be replaced."
He asked that anyone with information please contact Detective Jose Cruz of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office at 732-618-7369, or Howell police Capt. Thomas Rizzo at 732-938-4575 ext. 2237.
Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.