STAFFORD- On Wednesday February 24, 2016 at approximately 4:50 PM Stafford Police received a report of a hit and run involving a red mustang in the area of Route 9 North and Oxycocus Road. Prior to police arrival, additional reports were received that a red mustang was involved in an accident at the intersection of Route 9 and Hilliard Boulevard and fled the scene. As the vehicle fled the second accident, it struck another vehicle at the same intersection. The accidents heavily damaged the vehicle and it lost a tire and fled the scene driving on the tire rim.

Police located the vehicle a short distance away at a residence on Willow Court. The engine of the vehicle was smoking heavily. Further investigation determined that Veronica Belluscio, 41 YOA, of Willow Court, Manahawkin, NJ was the operator of the 2000 Ford Mustang involved in the accidents. She was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated.

As a result of this incident, a total of 5 vehicles other than Belluscio’s vehicle were damaged with three occupants being transported to SOMC for minor injuries.

Accident at Route 9 and Oxycocus: Three Car Accident

Belluscio struck: 2016 Lexus Rx3 (Operated by Wendy A. Tomasello of Manahawkin, NJ 49 YOA)

Pushed into a 2005 Honda CRV (Operated by Diana M. Dabrowski, 62 YOA of West Creek, NJ)

Accident at Route 9 and Hilliard Blvd: Three Car Accident

Belluscio struck: 2012 Chevy Equinox( Operated by Lindsay Hoosack of 32 YOA of Barnegat/ Two Child Occupants: 3 YOA female and 9 Months old female Driver was transported for neck pain and two children were transported to get checked out

Pushed into a 2011 Lincoln Mkz (Operated by Amy Fence, 43 YOA of Manahawkin)

Accident at Route 9 and Hilliard Blvd: Two Car Accident

Belluscio struck: 2005 GMC Savannah (Operated by Richard Coffman, 69 YOA Of Manahawkin, NJ)

Belluscio was charged with one count of Resisting Arrest, driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, careless driving, 3 count of leaving the scene of an accident, 3 counts of failure to report an accident, 2 counts of improper passing. She was processed and released pending a future court appearance.

Patrolman Erik Smithman was the arresting officer. Stafford EMS and Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Company assisted in the matter.

Shore News Network Staff Report Latest posts

Shore News Network Staff Report is the official newsroom byline used by Shore News Network when a story is produced through the collaborative work of multiple members of the editorial team rather than a single reporter.

This newsroom account is reserved for articles that involve contributions from multiple journalists, editors, photographers, researchers, or news desk staff. It is also used for developing stories that are updated as new verified information becomes available, as well as for community announcements, weather coverage, public safety alerts, election results, and other newsroom-produced content.

Every article published under the Shore News Network Staff Report byline is reviewed and edited in accordance with the organization's editorial standards for accuracy, fairness, attribution, and transparency. Information is verified through official government agencies, court records, law enforcement, public documents, direct reporting, interviews, and other reliable primary and secondary sources before publication whenever possible.

The Staff Report account does not use artificial intelligence to independently generate news or publish unverified information. AI-assisted tools may occasionally be used for editorial support tasks such as transcription, formatting, grammar review, or workflow efficiency, but all published content is subject to human editorial oversight and approval by Shore News Network's newsroom staff.

As an independently owned digital news organization, Shore News Network is committed to original reporting, public safety journalism, government accountability, local community coverage, and breaking news throughout New Jersey and surrounding regions. Stories published under the Staff Report byline reflect the collective experience and editorial judgment of the Shore News Network newsroom.

Readers who have corrections, additional information, or news tips related to a Staff Report article are encouraged to contact the newsroom at news@shorenewsnetwork.com. Shore News Network welcomes factual corrections and updates as part of its commitment to accurate, transparent journalism.