Last weekend, between Friday afternoon and Sunday evening, Toms River police responded to thirty-six traffic accidents of various degrees, some resulting in wide-spread power outages in town. Below are some of the more serious incidents.
Friday 7/14/2023
Approximately 1:20 PM – Police, EMS, and fire units were dispatched to Hooper Avenue, in front of Intermediate East for a reported motor vehicle accident involving a utility pole with live wires on top of the vehicle, causing widespread power outages. Callers reported a female trapped inside the vehicle with difficulty breathing.
Caroline Meehan, 54, of Brick, stated that she was traveling northbound on Hooper Avenue when she had an medical episode, and blacked out prior to the collision. She was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment. JCP&L responded to repair the pole.
Approximately 1:55 PM – Police and EMS units were dispatched to the intersection of Main Street and Dayton Avenue for a reported motor vehicle accident involving a bicyclist.
The initial investigation revealed that a Toms River resident was traveling westbound on Dayton Avenue at a high rate of speed and disregarded the stop sign at the intersection of Main Street and was struck by a vehicle traveling northbound on Main and had the right of way at the intersection.
The collision caused the vehicle to roll over and strike a bicyclist, pinning him under the vehicle. The bicyclist sustained serious injuries and was taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center Trauma Unit for treatment.
The driver was transported to Community Medical Center. He was charged with assault by auto, and received summons for reckless driving and disregard of a stop sign. The accident remains under investigation by the Toms River Police Department Traffic Unit and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
Saturday 7/15/2023
Approximately 2:00 AM – Police units were dispatched to the intersection of Yorkshire Drive and Continental Avenue for a reported accident involving a utility pole and wires down.
The initial investigation revealed Kelly Cuthbert, 25, of Toms River, was travelling westbound on Continental Drive and using her cell phone, when her vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole. Cuthbert did not sustain injuries in the crash.
She was arrested for Driving while intoxicated, and received summons for DUI, careless driving, failing to maintain lane, and a cell phone violation. The accident remains under investigation.
“I would like to take a minute and thank all of the dispatchers, EMS, fire, Class I officers, and patrol officers. Every day they show up and give their best to our community. Some days are harder than others, and this weekend was a true testament to their dedication, professionalism, and abilities. Everyone did an outstanding job and I am very proud to work among the best of the best!” – Toms River Police Chief Mitchell Little.