BERKELEY – Two individuals were transported to the hospital after their car struck a pole on Route 9, police said.
On Jan. 10, at approximately 9 p.m., Berkeley Police responded to the area of 600 Route 9 for a report of a vehicle that struck a pole. Once on the scene, officers observed the vehicle in the parking lot of CG Landscape Supply with a pole on top of it.
A preliminary investigation found that 37-year old Michael Longo of Cream Ridge was traveling southbound on Route 9 when his vehicle crossed the northbound lane and struck a utility pole in front of Mike’s Foreign Car Repair. The vehicle then continued across both Lanes of Route 9 and struck a Verizon Pole in the parking lot of CG Landscape Supply. Two vehicles in the parking lot of Mike’s Foreign Car Repair also sustained damage, police said.
As a result of the crash, Longo was pinned under the steering wheel of the vehicle. The damage to the driver side door prevented it from being opened and Bayville Volunteer Fire Company had to extract him from the vehicle.
Longo was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center with injuries to his left leg. Longo’s backseat passenger, 38-year old Tabitha Gudehus of Toms River, was transported to Community Medical Center with complaints of pain in her left ankle.
Further investigation revealed that Longo was operating the vehicle while under the influence. Police also found suspect heroin inside the vehicle. Longo was being issued summonses for Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, CDS in a motor vehicle, and failure to maintain lane. Criminal charges are pending.
Both lanes of Route 9 were closed between Hickory Lane and Station Road while officers responded to the crash.
Any witnesses are encouraged to contact Berkeley Township Police Department Traffic Safety Office at 732-341-1132 ext.125.
