Lacey Township, NJ – The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office announced that 38-year-old Michael O’Hare Jr. of Ocean Gate has been charged with multiple offenses following a two-vehicle crash Thursday morning in Lacey Township.
According to Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, the incident occurred around 7:50 a.m. on January 22, 2026, near South Street and Warren Avenue. Investigators determined that O’Hare was driving an Acura TL eastbound when he crossed the double yellow line and collided with a Jeep Grand Cherokee heading west. The Jeep’s driver sustained minor injuries and was treated at Community Medical Center in Toms River.
Responding officers reported that O’Hare appeared intoxicated at the scene. After he failed field sobriety tests, he was arrested for driving under the influence. A subsequent search of his vehicle led to the discovery of methadone, Gabapentin pills without a valid prescription, and drug paraphernalia.
- Ocean Gate man charged after crash and DUI arrest in Lacey Township
- Officers recover methadone, Gabapentin, and paraphernalia at scene
- Blood test results pending as investigation continues
O’Hare was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for evaluation before being taken to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains pending a detention hearing.
The investigation, led by the Ocean County Major Crime Unit–Vehicular Homicide Squad and the Lacey Township Police Department, includes pending toxicology results from a court-authorized blood draw.
