A lawsuit filed in new jersey superior court alleges negligence by toms river township and ocean county authorities in connection with a september 2024 truck crash at church road and north bay avenue.
A lawsuit filed in New Jersey Superior Court alleges negligence by Toms River Township and Ocean County authorities in connection with a September 2024 truck crash at Church Road and North Bay Avenue.
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Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Sued Over 2024 Truck Crash Cites Lack of Training

Jackson resident Eric M. Moses alleges a Toms River Township truck collided with his vehicle while an Ocean County sheriff’s officer was directing traffic at an intersection where the signal was inoperable.
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1 min read
September 3, 2026
  • Eric M. Moses filed suit against the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, Ocean County and individuals connected to a September 2024 crash.
  • The complaint alleges a township-owned Peterbilt and Moses’ Freightliner collided near Church Road and North Bay Avenue while an Ocean County sheriff’s officer was controlling traffic.
  • Moses alleges negligence and seeks damages for injuries, medical expenses, lost income and other losses. The allegations have not been proven in court.

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Jackson man has sued Ocean County authorities over a 2024 truck crash at Church Road and North Bay Avenue, alleging negligence by a township driver and an Ocean County sheriff’s officer who was directing traffic while the intersection’s signal was inoperable.

Eric M. Moses filed the civil complaint in New Jersey Superior Court on Aug. 14. According to the lawsuit, Moses was driving a 2023 Freightliner eastbound on Church Road on Sept. 16, 2024, while James A. Rastelli was operating a 2022 Peterbilt owned by Toms River Township southbound on North Bay Avenue. The complaint alleges the vehicles collided near the intersection and that Moses suffered injuries.

The lawsuit also names the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, Ocean County and an officer identified in the filing as Officer Shelton #261. Moses alleges Shelton was controlling traffic at the Church Road and North Bay Avenue intersection because the traffic signal was not operating. The complaint alleges negligence against the defendants in connection with the collision and seeks to hold the township and county entities responsible for the conduct of their employees.

Moses claims he suffered personal injuries resulting in medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, restrictions on normal activities and diminished quality of life. The complaint does not specify a dollar amount sought and requests damages, interest, attorneys’ fees and costs. Moses has also demanded a jury trial.

The lawsuit goes beyond allegations surrounding the crash itself. Moses also accuses the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and Ocean County of negligent training and supervision. A separate count alleges negligent investigation, hiring and retention of employees, including Rastelli and Shelton. Those claims are allegations contained in the plaintiff’s complaint and have not been adjudicated.

The case was filed under docket number MON-L-003206-26. Attorney Charles M. Crocco of Nelson, Fromer, Crocco & Jordan represents Moses, according to the filing. The complaint is dated Aug. 13 and was filed with the court the following day.

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