Accident On Route 72 Injures Point Pleasant Man

Route 72 in Manahawkin (Photo by Jason Allentoff)

STAFFORD – A Point Pleasant man was struck by a vehicle while riding his bike across Route 72 over the weekend, stated Stafford Police.

John Schwester, 70, was struck by a trailer towed by a Dodge Ram pickup on Route 72 near Mill Creek Road. At the time of the collision, Schwester was not traveling in in a marked crossing on the highway.

The owner of the vehicle, 41-year old Christopher S. Olivier of Little Egg Harbor, was traveling west on Route 72 when he noticed Schwester crossing the highway. In an attempt to avoid hitting Schwester, Olivier drove onto the median of Route 72; however the trailer he was towing struck Schwester and his bicycle.

Schwester sustained an injury to his left arm and was treated by Stafford Township First Aid Squad and MONOC paramedics on the scene. He was later transported to the Atlantic City Medical Center.

Traffic was redirected near the scene for approximately 30 minutes, police said.