LAKEHURST – A three-car crash closed down Route 70 earlier today in Lakehurst, officials said.
According to Lakehurst Police, 52-year-old James Russen of South Toms River was traveling west on Route 70 in a 2005 Lexus when he struck the rear of a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, operated by 43-year-old Wendy Mitchell of Brick Township.
The initial crash caused the Equinox to leave the roadway. Then, Russen’s Lexus continued on 70 and collided into the rear of the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was also travelling west on Route 70, operated by 49-year-old Sharonda Ashworth Concord, NC.
All three drivers were brought to Community Medical Center in Toms River for minor injuries, police said.
Authorities determined that speed and driver inattention was the cause of the crash. As a result, all three vehicles were disabled and towed from the scene. Route 70 westbound was shut down for about one hour.
Assisting on scene were Manchester Police Department, Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Department, Joint Base Fire Department, Manchester Fire Department, Manchester EMS, Berkely EMS and Priced Rite towing.
If anyone witnessed the accident, they are asked to contact Officer Joseph Ciaurro of the Lakehurst Police Department at 732-657-7812.
