LAKEHURST – Borough police arrest two men in a bizarre case involving an overturned pickup truck and an alleged attempt to flee the scene of a crash.
Lakehurst Police received a call around 12:08 a.m. on the morning of Wednesday, January 16 regarding an overturned motor vehicle. The crash happened in the area of Route 70 East and Union Avenue, near the Eisenhower Circle. Officers Robert Schroeck and Harry Paul responded and upon arriving at the scene, a white GMC pickup truck was on its roof and leaking gasoline. A man was standing in the grass median of the circle.
According to police, they attempted to question the man, identified as Shepperd R. Erbe, who told authorites that he was a passenger in the vehicle.
At this point, another man, identified as 46-year-old Peter C. Wilkins of Forked River was walking east on Route 70. Police discovered that Wilkins was the driver and he had been driving while under the influence of alcohol and with a suspended license. He also provided police a series of false statements.
Erbe had an active Toms River Municipal Court warrant with no bail and was placed under arrest. Erbe was processed and turned over to the custody of the Toms River Police Department.
Wilkins was charged with Hindering His Own Apprehension and issued a summons for the charge. He was also issued seven motor vehicle summonses for Driving While Under the Influence, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Failure to Report an Accident, Suspended Driver’s License and Failure to Exhibit Insurance.
Wilkins was released pending a mandatory court appearance with the Lakehurst Municipal Court.
Police said both officers were assisted by the Lakehurst Fire Department and the Lakehurst First Aid Squad.
