TOMS RIVER – A Jackson man has been arrested and charged for allegedly driving under the influence, which caused him to crash into a tree and injure two passengers, police said.
Erick Perez-Ramirez, 40, was charged with two counts of Assault by Auto, in connection with a crash that occurred in Toms River during the early hours of April 20.
Around 4:45 a.m., officers responded to the area of Bay Avenue and Ethan Court regarding a crash. A 2020 Chevrolet Silverado was being driven by Perez-Ramirez and contained four passengers: Viviana Arciniegas-Diaz, 33, of Toms River in the front passenger seat; and rear seat passengers William Rubiano, 31, and Maria Vega-Diaz, 33, both of Toms River.
According to officials, the car was traveling eastbound on Bay Avenue when it failed to negotiate a right hand turn in the roadway. As a result, the car left the roadway and struck a tree
Arciniegas-Diaz and Vega-Diaz were brought to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of their injuries. They are both listed in stable condition, officials said. Rubiano and Perez-Ramirez were uninjured and remained at the scene.
Officials said Perez-Ramirez appeared to be intoxicated at the scene and officers attempted to administer the standardized field sobriety tests. However, Perez-Ramirez was unable to successfully perform them and was charged with Driving Under the Influence and placed under arrest.
A blood sample was taken at Community Medical Center and results are pending. Perez-Ramirez was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer commended the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced are merely accusations and the public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
