Police Investigate One-Car Crash, Stolen Vehicle Incidents on Route 37

Toms River Police are investigating two unrelated incidents on Route 37 between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. Saturday. In one, witnesses saw a vehicle crash multiple times and speed away, and in a second incident police found a driver in a stolen vehicle.

Three passengers got a police ride to the bus station after police determined the car stolen and the driver had outstanding warrants.

Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said police stopped a 2003 Acura on Route 37 and River Drive, around Vaughn/West End Avenue, around 3 a.m. and determined the vehicle was reported stolen and using fictitious plates.

Officer Joshua Kuhlwein stopped the vehicle, which was stolen out of Newark and had fictitious license plates, police said. 

Jason Madrey, 28, of Bond Street Newark was charged with possession of stolen property, fictitious plates and driving while suspended. Madrey was also held on outstanding arrest warrants from Clifton, Linden, Union and Elizabeth, police said.

The three passengers were transported to the bus station for transportation home, Mastronardy said.

In a separate incident, witnesses reported a car struck a pole and sign before driving off, Mastronardy said:

"Officer Adam Worth is investigating an accident that occurred at 1 a.m. at Route 37 and Clifton Avenue.  According to witnesses a silver Silverado was westbound on Route #37 when it left the roadway and struck a sign in front of Super Cuts then a telephone pole then a light pole and was last observed north on Clifton Avenue," said the police chief in a prepared statement.

Anyone with information should call police headquarters at 732-349-0150.