Two people were seriously injured after Jared Beswick allegedly drove a Ford Explorer into oncoming traffic in Lacey Township
LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – A Philadelphia man allegedly drove erratically along Route 539 before crossing into oncoming traffic and slamming head-on into an SUV, seriously injuring two people and leading to assault-by-auto charges after investigators reported signs of impairment.
Jared Beswick, 27, was charged Monday with two counts of assault by auto in connection with the crash, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
The prosecutor’s release identifies the crash as occurring Sunday, Sept. 13, although one passage in the release lists Sept. 13, 2025. The surrounding information identifies the incident as a 2026 case.
The collision happened at approximately 8:45 p.m. near mile marker 16.5 on Route 539 in Lacey Township.
Investigators allege Beswick was driving a Ford Explorer erratically northbound when the vehicle entered the southbound lane and collided head-on with a Toyota RAV4.
The Toyota driver and a passenger in Beswick’s Ford Explorer were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.
Both were listed in serious but stable condition, prosecutors said.
Investigators reported that Beswick showed outward signs of impairment following the crash.
Officers also observed multiple open containers of alcohol and pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes inside his vehicle, according to prosecutors.
Beswick was transported to Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, where investigators obtained a blood sample under a court-authorized warrant.
He was served with the assault-by-auto charges at the hospital.
Prosecutors said Beswick will be taken to the Ocean County Jail following his release from the hospital and held pending a detention hearing.
The crash remains under investigation, and prosecutors said additional charges could be filed.
The charges are accusations, and Beswick is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Jared Beswick, 27, of Philadelphia, faces two counts of assault by auto following a head-on collision on Route 539 in Lacey Township.
- Prosecutors allege his Ford Explorer crossed into the southbound lane and struck a Toyota RAV4, leaving two people seriously injured.
- Investigators reported signs of impairment and said open alcohol containers and pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes were visible inside the Ford.
