TOMS RIVER – Police believe a 78-year-old man may have suffered a medical episode that led to a serious accident which brought down two traffic light stanchions.
Toms River Police said units were sent to the intersection of Route 37 and Hooper Avenue at 3:45 p.m. on November 26.
Police confirmed Horst Szczypinski of South Toms River was in the left lane headed westbound on Route 37 East when he ran off of the road up onto the center median striking multiple light stanchions, and coming to final rest in the intersection.
Off Duty Seaside Park Police Officer Ryan Stack was in the area at the time. Stack and some good Samaritans broke the vehicle window to remove Szczypinski from the car and began CPR.
Police said multiple Toms River officers provided oxygen, used a defibrillator and continued CPR.
His pulse was regained and Szczypinski was transported to Community Medical Center.
Police said he was alert and talking to the medics.
The NJDOT responded to the scene to repair the lights.
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene as well.
The accident remains under investigation by Traffic Safety Officer Adam Koeppen.