New Jersey prosecutors say suspected drunk driver fled crash scene after violent Route 37 collision
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A New Jersey man accused of driving the wrong way before causing a head-on crash in Toms River allegedly fled into nearby woods and attacked a police K-9 during a chaotic arrest Sunday night, prosecutors said.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that 30-year-old Andrew Gajewski of Manchester Township was charged following the crash near Route 37 and Batchelor Street.
Police responded around 8:30 p.m. Sunday to reports of a serious crash involving a 2022 Ford F-150 and a 2021 GMC Acadia.
Investigators said the vehicles sustained damage consistent with a head-on collision.
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Authorities allege Gajewski, who was driving the Ford pickup truck, ran from the scene on foot after the crash.
The driver of the GMC Acadia was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune and remained in stable condition.
A passenger inside the Acadia and a passenger riding in the Ford were both taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where they were treated and released.
Police later located Gajewski in a wooded area near the crash scene.
According to prosecutors, Gajewski physically resisted officers and assaulted a Toms River Police Department K-9 during the arrest.
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He was taken to Community Medical Center for treatment of injuries suffered during the apprehension.
Investigators said officers observed signs of intoxication, and a court-authorized blood draw was obtained as part of the investigation.
Authorities said the investigation determined Gajewski was allegedly traveling on the wrong side of the roadway while speeding and driving recklessly before the collision.
Gajewski was charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in serious bodily injury, three counts of assault by auto, resisting arrest and injuring an animal used by a law enforcement agency.
He also received multiple motor vehicle summonses, including reckless driving, careless driving, failure to maintain lane, leaving the scene of a crash causing injury and failure to report an accident.
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Prosecutors said Gajewski remains hospitalized and will be transported to the Ocean County Jail upon release pending a detention hearing.
The investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be filed.
Key Points
- Prosecutors said a Manchester Township man caused a wrong-way head-on crash in Toms River
- Police allege the suspect fled into woods and assaulted a police K-9 during arrest
- Investigators said the driver showed signs of intoxication after the crash
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