TOMS RIVER – The Toms River Police Department responded to 36 traffic accidents over the weekend, ranging from widespread power outages to minor and major car crashes.
On July 14, around 1:20 p.m., first responders were dispatched to Hooper Avenue, in front of Intermediate East for crash involving a utility pole with live wires on top of the vehicle, resulting in widespread power outages.
Callers told police that a woman was trapped inside the vehicle and was having difficulty breathing.
According to police, 54-year-old Caroline Meehan of Brick was traveling northbound on Hooper Avenue when she had a medical episode, and blacked out prior to the collision. She was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment. JCP&L responded to repair the pole.
The same day around 1:55 p.m., police and EMS were dispatched to the intersection of Main Street and Dayton Avenue for an accident involving a bicyclist.
Neal Wallach, 42 of Toms River, was traveling westbound on Dayton Avenue at a high rate of speed and did not stop at the stop sign at Main Street. As a result, he struck a car that was traveling northbound on Main and had the right of way at the intersection, police said. Wallach’s car then rolled over and hit a bicyclist, pinning him under the vehicle.
Police said the bicyclist sustained serious injuries and was taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center Trauma Unit for treatment. Wallach was transported to Community Medical Center.
Wallach was charged with assault by auto, and received summons for reckless driving and disregard of a stop sign.
At this time, the accident remains under investigation by the Toms River Police Department Traffic Unit and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
On July 15 around 2 a.m., police were at Yorkshire Drive and Continental Avenue for an accident involving a utility pole and wires down.
Police said 25-year-old Kelly Cuthbert of Toms River was travelling westbound on Continental Drive and was using her cell phone when her car left the roadway and hit a utility pole. Police confirmed that Cuthbert did not sustain any injuries.
She was arrested for Driving while intoxicated, and received summons for DUI, careless driving, failing to maintain lane, and a cell phone violation. The accident remains under investigation, police said.
“I would like to take a minute and thank all of the dispatchers, EMS, fire, Class I officers, and patrol officers. Every day they show up and give their best to our community. Some days are harder than others, and this weekend was a true testament to their dedication, professionalism, and abilities. Everyone did an outstanding job and I am very proud to work among the best of the best!” Chief Mitchell Little said.
