Crime & Safety
Two MVAs, Attempted Robbery Over Weekend
Two drivers lose control of their vehicles in separate incidents.
Officer Pascal Gambardella is investigating an accident that occurred at 12:30 a.m. Sunday at the end of Whitesville Road near the Toms River Armory.
Alejandro Lopez, 27, of Adams Avenue, Toms River, stated that he was eastbound on Whitesville Road, driving at about 45 mph in his 2010 Honda, and was texting when a deer cut him off and he lost control of the vehicle, according to Police Chief Michael Mastronardy.
The vehicle became airborne after striking a dirt mound, then struck some signs and a light pole before coming to rest on a guardrail at the dead end by the Toms River Public Works leaf compost area.
Find out what's happening in Toms Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Lopez was not injured, but was issued numerous motor vehicle charges including driving under the influence, reckless driving and improper use of a cell phone.
Mastronardy also provided information on the following incidents:
Find out what's happening in Toms Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
- Toms River Police are looking for a white male with brown hair wearing a dark t-shirt, long blue jean shorts, black sneakers, silver rings on both thumbs and a tattoo on his right neck for attempting to rob the clerk at the Wawa at Route 37 and Northampton Avenue at 10 p.m. Saturday.
The suspect appeared under the influence, according to the clerk, when he pulled a steak knife and demanded money.
When she stated she was calling the police he left the knife and left the area on a blue female's mongoose bike towards Pine Lake Park.
Anyone with information can contact Officer Pascal Gambardella or Detective Louis Santora at 732-349-0150 ext 1276.
- Officer Kyle Martucci is investigating an accident that occurred at 230 a.m. Sunday at Hazelwood and Neville Street.
- William Leriche, 21, of New Jersey Avenue was traveling east on Hazelwood in a 2001 explorer. He reported that a dark vehicle went through a stop sign and cut his vehicle off.
- Leriche stated that when he took evasive action he lost control of the explorer on the wet roadway and it rolled onto its side. There were no injuries in the accident and the second vehicle did not stop.
