TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Charles Sharkey Jr., 35, of Jackson Township, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, driving while intoxicated, and illegal possession of a firearm in connection with two separate incidents earlier in 2023, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office announced on Monday. Sharkey entered the plea before Judge Dina M. Vicari and is expected to be sentenced on December 20, 2024.
Sharkey’s charges stem from a serious motor vehicle crash on March 23, 2023, and an unrelated incident on March 12, 2023, where he was found in possession of a handgun. Prosecutors will seek a 10-year prison sentence under the No Early Release Act for the aggravated assault charge, as well as a concurrent 10-year term, with five years of parole ineligibility, for the firearm offense.
The March 23 crash occurred at approximately 4:00 p.m. at the intersection of Route 70 and Massachusetts Avenue in Toms River. According to the investigation, Sharkey was driving a 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 eastbound on Route 70 when he failed to stop at a red light. He grazed a 2016 Honda CRV and then struck a 2017 Subaru Impreza attempting to make a left turn. The Impreza, containing an adult driver and three juvenile passengers, was pushed backward and spun, while Sharkey’s Dodge Ram overturned and caught fire.
Two of the juvenile passengers and the driver of the Impreza were treated for minor injuries at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and later released. A third juvenile sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized before being transferred to a rehabilitation facility. The Impreza was heavily damaged, while a 2021 Lexus RX 350 was grazed and sustained minor damage during the collision.
Further investigation revealed that Sharkey was driving erratically and using a cellphone before the crash. Police determined that his driver’s license was suspended and that he had two active warrants for his arrest. The Dodge Ram was a rental vehicle taken without permission from the renter. Sharkey was arrested at the scene and later transported to Monmouth Medical Center-Southern Campus for treatment. Blood tests revealed the presence of methamphetamine.
In the separate incident on March 12, Jackson Township police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on North County Line Road. Officers found Sharkey slumped over in the driver’s seat and arrested him on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. During a search, officers discovered a .22 caliber handgun, leading to further charges. Sharkey was initially released under New Jersey Bail Reform but remained in custody following his March 23 arrest.
The sentencing in December will mark the conclusion of a series of legal proceedings stemming from both incidents.
