TOMS RIVER – An apparent drag racing incident involving motorcycles across the Tunney Bridge sends one man to the hospital with serious injuries including severed limbs which have yet to be found.
Toms River Police Spokesperson Jillian Messina says 36-year-old Ronald Vanarsdale of the township was thrown from his motorcycle around 12:46 a.m. on Thursday, August 30th on Route 37 right near the span.
Witnesses at the scene told police that Vanarsdale had been speeding along with multiple motorcycles across the bridge when it happened.
Multiple Toms River Police Units, Ocean County Prosecutors Office Investigator Brad Frank and the Ocean County Sheriff Criminal Investigation Unit responded to the scene.
According to a press release from the department, Vanarsdale‘s body was located 326’ from point of ejection, and his motorcycle was located 762’ from point of ejection. His right forearm and hand were severed just under the bicep.
Sgt. Ed Mooney from the Toms River Police Department is being credited with saving his life after he quickly applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.
Vanarsdale was flown by MONOC helicopter to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune where he underwent emergency surgery and remains in stable condition.
The New Jersey State Police Marine Division, Sgt. Pearce, was notified about the missing limb.
it is not yet clear if the victim was impaired but police say charges are pending.
Witnesses are urged to call police and if you find the missing forearm and hand, call Traffic Safety Officer Mark Nater at 732-349-0150 x 1336 or reach him by email at mnater@trpolice.net
