“Ocean County complaint claims police vehicle caused serious injuries at Route 37 intersection.”
Toms River, NJ – A new lawsuit filed in Ocean County alleges a Plumsted Township police officer caused a serious crash after driving through a red light without responding to an emergency, leaving a passenger with lasting physical and psychological injuries.
The complaint, filed February 11 in Superior Court, was brought by Curtis G. O’Steen III, who claims he was injured while riding in a vehicle traveling through the intersection of Route 37 and Hooper Avenue. The lawsuit names Officer Kevin B. Leonard, the Plumsted Police Department, and the Township of Plumsted as defendants.
According to the filing, the crash occurred on January 13, 2025, as O’Steen was a passenger in a vehicle traveling eastbound with a green light when the collision took place.
Key Points
- Lawsuit alleges Plumsted police officer ran red light without emergency justification
- Plaintiff claims serious, permanent injuries from Route 37 crash in Toms River
- Township and police department named under liability and negligence claims
Lawsuit claims officer entered intersection against red light
According to the complaint, Officer Leonard was operating a Plumsted Township police vehicle southbound on Hooper Avenue when he allegedly failed to stop at a red traffic signal.
The filing states Leonard “was not responding to a bona fide emergency call” at the time and entered the intersection in violation of traffic laws, striking the vehicle in which O’Steen was a passenger.
The lawsuit alleges the officer’s actions were negligent, reckless, and “palpably unreasonable,” citing failures to maintain a proper lookout and avoid the collision.
In a separate count, the complaint further claims Leonard acted in a “willful, wanton, and reckless manner” by proceeding through a controlled intersection against a red light without due regard for other motorists.
Plaintiff alleges permanent injuries and lasting impact
The lawsuit states O’Steen suffered significant injuries as a direct result of the crash, including both physical and psychological harm.
According to the filing, he sustained “permanent disabilities, both physical and psychological,” as well as loss of bodily function and ongoing pain and suffering.
The complaint also alleges the injuries have prevented him from engaging in normal daily activities and will require continued medical treatment.
“As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence… Plaintiff… was caused to sustain permanent disabilities,” the filing states.
Township and police department named in liability claims
In addition to the officer, the lawsuit names the Plumsted Police Department and Township of Plumsted, alleging both entities are responsible for the operation and oversight of the vehicle.
The complaint argues the department and township are vicariously liable, stating Leonard was acting within the scope of his employment at the time of the crash.
It further alleges the department acted negligently in “entrusting and/or permitting the use of said motor vehicle” by the officer.
A tort claims notice was filed against the township in February 2025, preserving the plaintiff’s right to pursue damages under New Jersey law.
Case seeks damages and jury trial
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, along with attorneys’ fees, interest, and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
O’Steen has requested a jury trial.
Court filings indicate the case may be consolidated with a related action involving the same incident.
The case remains pending in Ocean County Superior Court, and no response from the defendants has been filed publicly.