Driver hospitalized after crash into utility pole in suspected dwi incident
Yellow law enforcement tape isolating crime scene. Blurred view of city, toned in red and blue police car lights

Driver hospitalized after crash into utility pole in suspected DWI incident

by
July 17, 2025
The crash left power lines down and the vehicle overturned in woods after striking multiple roadside structures.

MANCHESTER, N.J. — A 61-year-old woman was taken to a trauma center Wednesday afternoon after a suspected impaired driving crash that brought down power lines and sent her vehicle into a wooded area, police said.

Lisa Leith, of Manchester, was driving a red 2024 Nissan Frontier westbound on Commonwealth Boulevard around 12:58 p.m. when she failed to negotiate a curve near Third Street, according to Manchester Township Police. The vehicle struck street signs, a utility pole, and several trees before overturning and coming to rest on its roof approximately 20 yards into the woods.

Responding officers found the utility pole severed in half with high-voltage lines down across the roadway. Leith was extricated from the vehicle and transported in stable condition to Jersey Shore University Medical Center by emergency services with assistance from Robert Wood Johnson paramedics.

Police said impairment is believed to be the primary factor in the crash. Leith has been charged on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

The investigation remains ongoing by members of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.