BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A Maryland driver faces multiple summonses after a hit-and-run crash early April 12 knocked down utility poles and damaged eight homes in Brick Township, police said.
Brick Township Police Department officers responded around 6:20 a.m. to North Lakeshore Drive near Duquesne Boulevard, where they found power lines down, roadway hazards, and widespread property damage, according to a department statement.
Crash leaves trail of damage across neighborhood
The impact extended beyond the roadway, with eight nearby residences sustaining structural damage as a result of the crash. Officers shut down the area for several hours due to ongoing safety risks tied to fallen lines and debris.
Traffic Safety Officer Vincent Rustico led the investigation, working to reconstruct how the vehicle moved through the area and caused such extensive damage.
Authorities said surveillance footage from nearby businesses played a key role in identifying the vehicle involved.
Surveillance footage leads to suspect
Investigators determined the vehicle had just completed a delivery at a local business before the crash. Using that information, Officer Rustico identified the driver as Lawrence E. Preston of Lanham, Maryland.
Police say Preston left the scene after the crash and did not report the incident.
He has been issued summonses for leaving the scene of a crash, failure to report a crash, careless driving, improper U-turn, and failure to maintain lane, according to the Brick Township Police Department.
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Key Points
• Eight homes sustained structural damage after early morning crash in Brick Township
• Driver allegedly fled after knocking down utility poles and power lines
• Surveillance footage helped police identify Maryland suspect
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Road closure and safety concerns
The crash prompted a prolonged road closure along North Lakeshore Drive as crews addressed downed power lines and assessed damage to nearby properties.
Incidents involving utility infrastructure often require coordination between police, emergency responders, and utility companies, particularly when live wires pose a risk to residents.
While no injuries were reported in the initial release, the structural damage to multiple homes highlights the potential severity of the crash’s impact on the neighborhood.
Ongoing case status
The charges filed against Preston are being handled through summonses, and no additional details about court proceedings were immediately released.
Police have not indicated whether further charges could be filed or if additional parties were involved.
The investigation has concluded with the identification of the driver, and the case now proceeds through the municipal court process.