A Philadelphia man has been charged with two counts of Assault by Auto following a head-on crash on Route 539 that left two people seriously injured, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced Monday.
Jared Beswick, 27, of Philadelphia, was charged in connection with the crash, which occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. Sunday near mile marker 16.5 on Route 539.
According to investigators, Beswick was driving a Ford Explorer northbound on Route 539 when the vehicle was traveling erratically, crossed into the southbound lane and collided head-on with a Toyota RAV4.
The driver of the Toyota and a passenger in Beswick’s vehicle were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where both were listed in serious but stable condition.
Authorities said Beswick displayed signs of impairment following the crash. Officers also observed multiple open containers of alcohol and pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes inside his vehicle.
Beswick was transported to Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, where a blood sample was obtained pursuant to a court-authorized warrant. He was served with the charges at the hospital and, upon his release, is expected to be transported to the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
The crash remains under investigation and additional charges may be filed.
The investigation is being conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Lacey Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
