A motor vehicle driven by a New York man, who apparently fell asleep, struck a utility pole this morning at the corner of Route 166 and Suburban Drive, police said.

Sean Combs, 22, of Schenectady, New York was southbound on Route 166 at 730 a.m., driving a 2008 Honda civic, when he crossed the northbound lanes and struck the pole at Suburban Drive, said Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy.

An investigation found that the driver, the only occupant, apparently fell asleep while driving, according to the chief.

Combs was taken by Quality Medical Services to Community Medical Center, Toms River, for minor injuries.

Pleasant Plains Fire Company also assisted with the accident. Officer Mark Nater issued Combs a summons for careless driving. 

Suburban drive at Route 166 will be closed for the rest of the day while utility workers replace a utility pole.