TOMS RIVER, NJ – The driver of a vehicle reportedly driving erratically on Route 70 in Toms River Thursday afternoon has been charged by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office for Aggravated Assault.
Charles Sharkey, 33, was charged on Thursday with four counts of aggravated assault and four counts of aggravated assault by auto. He was also issued citations for driving while suspended and other motor vehicle violations.
According to police, at around 4 pm, Toms River Police Department officers responded to the area of Route 70 and Massachusetts Avenue for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash.
“An initial investigation by responding officers revealed that a 2022 Dodge Ram 1500, operated by Sharkey, was traveling eastbound on Route 70 approaching the cross street of Massachusetts Avenue,” Billhimer said. ” Sharkey failed to stop at the red light at the intersection and grazed the rear of a 2016 Honda CRV, which had been traveling westbound on Route 70 and turning left onto Massachusetts Avenue. Sharkey then struck a 2017 Subaru Impreza – also attempting to make a left-hand turn onto Massachusetts Avenue from Route 70 westbound – which contained a male adult driver and three juvenile passengers.”
Sharkey’s Dodge Ram overturned and caught fire.
An adult driver and two of the juvenile passengers were taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) in Neptune Township for treatment of minor injuries; they were subsequently released.
A third juvenile passenger of the Impreza was also taken to JSUMC with serious injuries, and is presently listed in critical condition.
Billhimer said evidence exists that alledges Sharkey had been driving erratically and was utilizing a cellular device just prior to the crash.