Berkeley township police department vehicle - file photo
Berkeley Township Police Department vehicle - file photo

Toms River woman charged with DWI after rear-end crash on Route 9 in Berkeley Township

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1 min read
November 10, 2025

Berkeley Township, NJ – A Toms River woman was arrested after police say she was driving drunk when her Jeep rear-ended another vehicle on Route 9 earlier this fall.

The crash happened near 431 Route 9, where officers arrived to find a 2024 Jeep that had struck the back of another car.

No injuries were reported, but the driver, identified as 44-year-old Anna Donato, was determined to be intoxicated at the scene, police said.


Key Points

  • A rear-end crash occurred on Route 9 on September 7.
  • The driver, Anna Donato, 44, was found to be intoxicated.
  • Donato was charged with DWI, reckless, and careless driving.

Officers respond to Route 9 crash

Patrolman Michael Bulwinski responded to the scene around the time of the incident, investigating the cause of the two-car collision. After assessing both drivers and inspecting the vehicles, police determined that Donato’s Jeep had caused the crash by failing to stop in time.

Field sobriety tests indicated signs of impairment, leading to Donato’s arrest for driving while intoxicated.

Charges and vehicle impoundment

Police said Donato was charged with DWI, reckless driving, and careless driving. Her vehicle was impounded under John’s Law, which requires the 12-hour impoundment of vehicles driven by intoxicated motorists.

Donato was later released pending a future court date in Berkeley Township Municipal Court.

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