High-Speed Chase over Route 37 Leads To Indictment

An recently indicted a Bayville man for eluding a police officer in Toms River and Seaside Park, in a police chase on Route 37 eastbound over the bridge to Seaside.

Todd M. Callan, 35, of Arlington Avenue South, is charged with fleeing from Toms River Patrolman Adam Koeppen on April 22. He is free on $20,000 bail.

Koeppen attempted to stop a motor vehicle at a high rate of speed on Route 37 east just after 2 a.m. on April 22, but discontinued in the interest of public safely, according to a press release from Chief Michael Mastronardy.

A short time later, police learned the vehicle was involved in a hit-and-run accident at Route 37 and Hooper Avenue, according to Mastronardy.

In that incident, a Toms River resident was stopped in a Lincoln Limousine at the Route 37 traffic light eastbound when a 1996 Toyota pulled next to his vehicle, accelerated at a high rate of speed, lost control momentarily, and struck the rear of the limo, then fled east on Route 37.

The Toyota was located shortly thereafter at Island Beach State Park.  With the assistance of Berkeley Township Police, arrested Callan.

Officer Koeppen charged Callan with numerous motor vehicle violations including leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, unsafe lane change and careless driving.

The county charge of eluding a police officer was handed up by an Ocean County grand jury in August.