TOMS RIVER, N.J. – Jeremy Grunin, a Toms River businessman and president of the Grunin Foundation, has been named to Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill’s Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force, less than a decade after he was charged in a 2016 incident involving a police pursuit and multiple crashes.
The Grunin Foundation announced his appointment in a post celebrating his role on the transition team, describing the position as an opportunity to help shape statewide policy through collaboration with community leaders and nonprofit partners.
The Foundation said Grunin will join more than 400 members across sectors to participate in listening sessions and policy briefings aimed at strengthening programs throughout New Jersey.
Update: New Jersey ELEC reports show that Mr. Grunin donated $8,000 to Mikie Sherrill during the 2025 gubernatorial election. He also donated $5,205 to Sherrill’s opponent, Jack Ciattarelli. Grunin, a land developer also donated $2,600 to Monmouth County Democrat Vin Gopal; $1,250 to Democrat Monmouth County Assemblywoman Margie Donlon; $1,250 Democrat Monmouth County Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul; and $5,000 to Monmouth County Republican Commissioner Tom Arnone during the 2025 election cycle.
2016 police report detailed series of crashes
According to an Island Heights Police report, officers responded just after midnight on July 17, 2016, to Central Avenue after spotting heavy smoke and two damaged vehicles. Patrolman Robert Sinnott identified one of the drivers as Jeremy Grunin, then 42, who appeared disoriented and attempted to leave the scene multiple times despite police orders to stop.
The report said Grunin struck several parked cars before being detained. He was charged with eluding police, leaving the scene of an accident, and multiple traffic violations.
Grunin was driving a green 2016 Jaguar.
Grunin attributed incident to medical condition
Grunin later told Shore News Network that the crash was not alcohol-related, attributing the episode to sleep apnea and fatigue. He said he had fallen asleep at the wheel and became confused after regaining consciousness during the police encounter.
M.V. Accident – On Sunday July 17, 2016 @ 12:23am, while on patrol, Patrolman Robert Sinnott observed what appeared to be a lot of smoke in the roadway on Central Ave. Upon arrival at the scene, there were two vehicles into a pole both with extensive damage. The 2nd vehicle was occupied by a male who had blood running down his face.
At this time, Ptl. Sinnott notified the county dispatch to dispatch fire & first aid. Ptl. Sinnott quickly exited his vehicle to check on the driver of the vehicle, at which time, the driver backed his car up and began to drive away. Ptl. Sinnott was yelling to the driver to “stop” but he continued on his way. Ptl. Sinnott when returning to his vehicle, saw the vehicle lose control and crash into a parked car pushing it along the curb.
Ptl. Sinnott went over to the vehicle and spoke with the driver who did not realize he was just in two accidents and he stated to Ptl. Sinnott that everything was ok and he was going home. Ptl. Sinnott advised him to stay in his car while he checked the other vehicles. As Ptl. Sinnott walked away, he started up his vehicle and began to drive away. Ptl. Sinnott signaled him to stop and he did not acknowledge his order. Ptl. Sinnott concerned for the driver’s safety and others, reached his hand in attempt to turn off the vehicle but he began to drive away while Ptl. Sinnott was ordering him to stop his vehicle.
Ptl. Sinnott at this point stepped away from the vehicle and returned to his marked unit to follow and stop the vehicle in question. Ptl. Sinnott activated his lights & siren and the vehicle stopped. Ptl. Sinnott advised the driver to turn off his car and give him his keys and he did. As Ptl. Sinnott again attempted to check on the other vehicles, the car started up due to it having a key fob. Ptl. Sinnott quickly opened the door and had the driver who was having trouble maintaining his balance get out of the vehicle. Ptl. Sinnott assisted him with sitting down on the side of the road.
The Island Heights Fire Chief arrived along with Toms River CSO MED unit, MONOC paramedics and Toms River Police Department. It was at this time, that the driver was identified as Jeremy Grunin, 42 years old of Toms River.
Mr. Grunin refused medical attention several times but in the end did end up being transported to Community Medical Center for a head laceration. Due to his medical condition, Ptl. Sinnott was unable to conduct a field sobriety test. Mr. Grunin was charged with eluding police, failure to wear seatbelt, careless driving(2), leaving the scene of an accident(2), failure to report an accident(2), failure to maintain lane(2) and failure to observe police officers orders.
A court date is pending. Lt. Kevin Arnold, Ptl. Paul Rutledge & Ptl. Michael Conrad assisted.
-Island Heights Police Department – July 17, 2016.
Court records show Grunin received medical attention for a head injury and was transported to Community Medical Center that night. The case did not result in jail time.
Those charges were dismissed under a plea agreement, according to New Jersey court records.
2021 Drunk Driving Arrest
According to court records, Grunin was charged with multiple violations, including operation under the influence of liquor or drugs at around midnight on October 19, 2020, on eastbound Interstate 195. The matter was heard virtually before Howell Township Municipal Court on May 28, 2021, where Grunin pleaded not guilty.
At the time, he was driving his Mercedes-Benz when he was pulled over by police. According to court records the charges were later dismissed.
Named to Sherrill’s transition team
As part of the governor-elect’s transition team, Grunin will advise on economic and community initiatives. In a statement, he said he was “honored to serve alongside inspiring individuals” and emphasized collaboration with local nonprofits to “shape policies that impact communities across New Jersey.”