Man Charged In Crash That Injured High School Students

STAFFORD – A local man was charged with two counts each of Aggravated Assault and Assault By Auto for his role in a Little Egg Harbor crash that hospitalized two high school students.

  Michael Pillarella, 26, of Manahawkin, was arrested and charged for his role in a crash that occurred in Little Egg Harbor Township during the evening hours of January 30, 2021. In addition to his criminal charges, he was issued motor vehicle summonses for Reckless Driving and Failure to Maintain Lane.

  Officers reported that Pillarella was driving his Hyundai Elantra on Radio Road when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway. 

  As a result, his car crossed over the centerline, and struck an oncoming Toyota XB travelling southbound on Radio Road. That car was being driven by a teen with another teen in the front passenger seat.

  Both teens sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.

  Pillarella was airlifted to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Trauma Center in Atlantic City for treatment of his injuries from the crash. He was treated and released. 

  Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer told the media that a search warrant was obtained for a draw of Pillarella’s blood, and laboratory results remain pending. 

  Pinelands Regional High School Principal Troy Henderson issued a note to parents on social media which stated “we are aware of the serious vehicle accident that involved two of our high school students last night. Please know our entire counseling staff will be available tomorrow. Do not hesitate to reach out to your counselor. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of both of these students.”

Billhimer acknowledged the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation resulting in Pillarella’s arrest.

-Jason Allentoff contributed to this story.