Police say officers stopped the suspect before multiple near misses turned into a tragedy
TOMS RIVER, NJ — A suspected drunk driver traveling the wrong way on Route 37 was arrested after Toms River police ended a dangerous pursuit that officers say prevented multiple near-collisions from becoming something far worse.
According to the Toms River Policemen’s Benevolent Association, Patrolman Eric Nelson spotted a vehicle traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of Route 37 on Saturday, July 25.
The organization said Nelson attempted to get the driver’s attention while traveling in the eastbound lanes, but the vehicle continued in the wrong direction.
Police said the driver nearly struck multiple vehicles before Nelson initiated a pursuit. The suspect allegedly continued trying to evade police while remaining in the wrong lanes of the highway.
Patrolman Robert King and Patrolman Justin Barberi, who were returning from a special duty assignment and traveling westbound on Route 37, heard the pursuit over the radio and used their patrol vehicles to block the suspect’s vehicle head-on, bringing the pursuit to an end.
The driver was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) and second-degree eluding.
The Toms River PBA commended the officers involved, saying they placed themselves at significant risk to protect other motorists from harm.
The organization also noted that Patrolman Nelson made six DWI arrests over the course of the weekend.
The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Police arrested a wrong-way driver following a pursuit on Route 37 in Toms River.
- Officers said the suspect nearly struck multiple vehicles before the chase ended.
- The driver was charged with DWI and second-degree eluding.
