On Monday April 13, 2020, at approximately 3:14 AM, multiple units responded to a traffic crash located at Route 37 E and Peter Ave. Upon arrival, Kristofer I. Coltenback, 43 of Manchester, was found standing outside of his Ford Explorer which was on fire in the roadway.
Mr. Coltenback was traveling westbound on Route 37 approaching the intersection with Peter Avenue when he swerved to the left and struck the curbed median which separates westbound and eastbound traffic. After striking the median, he continued traveling westbound on top of the median before striking and knocking down a traffic signal. Mr. Coltenback then continued westbound through the intersection, striking a second curbed median and a second traffic signal. The impact from striking the second traffic signal then sent his vehicle across the eastbound lanes of traffic on Route 37. Mr. Coltenback then struck another curb and traveled across an area of grass, before coming to a stop in the exit ramp for Batchelor Avenue off of Route 37 eastbound. As a result of the crash, two traffic light poles were laying on the ground in the intersection and the vehicle was engulfed in fire and destroyed. The fire was contained and extinguished by Toms River Fire Companies 1 & 2.
The accident is being investigated by Traffic Safety Officer, PJ Gambardella. Mr. Coltenback was issued summonses for DWI, Driving on a Revoked License, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, and Violation of Governor’s Executive Order Non-Essential Travel approved by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Mr. Coltenback’s vehicle was impounded as a per John’s Law.