MANCHESTER – A driver suspected of driving under the influence was the cause of a three-vehicle crash with multiple injuries.
Police said the crash took place at around 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 30 near Mile Marker 37 on Route 70 in Whiting.
Investigators said that a Volvo was travelling east on 70 when it crossed into the oncoming lane. It struck a PT Cruiser head-on, causing it to leave the roadway and overturn. The Volvo continued until it hit another car, a Hyundai Genesis, on the driver’s side. This caused the Hyundai to spin off the roadway.
The Volvo’s driver was Samuel J. Anderson, 57, of Toms River. He was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for non-life threatening injuries. He was found to be in possession of a controlled dangerous substance and suspected to be driving while under the influence. Additionally, it was determined that he had not been wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash
The driver of the PT Cruiser was Christopher J. Monroe, 46, of Manchester. He was brought to Jersey Shore via helicopter for non-life threatening injuries.
The Hyundai was driven by Judith F. Barnett, 69, of Camden. Her front seat passenger was Cydney K. Savage, 60, of Camden. Savage was transported to Deborah Heart and Lung Center for treatment and evaluation of non-life threatening injuries.
Assisting at the scene were members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit, Whiting Volunteer Fire Department, and Manchester First Aid Squad. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, but at this point, driver impairment appears to be the primary cause of the crash. This crash is being investigated by Ptl. Jesse Hoydis and Ptl. Michael Anderson of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.
