TOMS RIVER – Township Police said a dropped cigarette may have contributed to a car accident that left two pedestrians injured and some property damaged on Mother’s Day afternoon.
Toms River Township Police Department officers were sent to Morris Boulevard shortly before 4 p.m. on May 9 for a motor vehicle accident involving two pedestrians.
Department Spokesperson Jillian Messina told Jersey Shore Online that the driver of the vehicle, Michele Ventriglia of Beachwood, stated that she was driving on Morris Boulevard when she dropped the cigarette in her lap, taking her eyes off the road to retrieve it.
Police confirm that after looking down, Ventriglia’s vehicle drifted to the left and struck two pedestrians as they were walking their German Shepherd. The dog was not harmed.
The car then struck a mailbox and two parked vehicles before coming to a stop.
Police said that one of the victims was transported to Community Medical Center and the other to Jersey Shore Medical Center for injuries. Both were alert and conscious when they were taken for treatment.
Ocean County Prosecutors Office Detective Anthony Carrington responded to assist in the investigation.
Police added that there was no sign of impairment of Ventriglia.
The accident is now being investigated by Toms River Traffic Safety Officer Mark Nater and the Ocean County Prosecutors Office.
