TOMS RIVER – Police said a drunk driver crashed on Route 37, closing the Garden State Parkway South ramp for about an hour as the evening rush hour was building up.
The crash took place at around 4 p.m. on January 19, police said. According to their report, there were two drivers heading south on the Parkway at that time.
Thomas Holl, 32, of Toms River, was entering the right lane to exit. At the same time, Avery Murch, 25, of Weare, New Hampshire, also entered the exit lane. Murch’s vehicle was to the left of Holl’s, so Murch sideswiped Holl and then continued to exit.
After reaching Route 37 eastbound, Murch’s vehicle left the roadway, striking a street sign and a utility pole. He attempted to drive away, but struck a cement wall under the overpass, wrecking his vehicle.
When police arrived, they noted that Murch exhibited signs of impairment. He was charged with Driving Under the Influence, Reckless Driving, Revoked Driver’s License, Failure to Report an Accident, Leaving the Scene of An Accident With Property Damage, and Operating with Drugs in the Vehicle.
His vehicle was impounded as per John’s Law.
The accident is being investigated by Toms River Traffic Safety Officer Robert Westfall.
Charges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.
