Crime & Safety
UPDATE: Driver Charged with DWI In Crash in Lincroft Tuesday Night
The driver was extricated from his vehicle by emergency crews and taken to the hospital.
UPDATE from Middletown Police Dept. spokesman Lt. Stephen Dollinger, March 6 at 2:45 pm.:
Ricardo Diaz, 60, of Eatontown was charged with DWI in the crash that occurred on Swimming River Road and Colonial Way at 7:26 p.m. on March 5.
Diaz was driving a 2012 Ford wagon on Swimming River Rd, when for an unknown reason he crossed over the center line, causing a Land Rover operated by Kevin Normayle of Colts Neck, traveling in the opposite direction, to strike his car. Diaz’s vehicle continued striking a tree on Swimming River Rd.
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Diaz was treated at the scene by the Lincroft First Aid Squad and transported to Jersey Shore Trauma Center for treatment.
Diaz was charged with DWI by investigating officer Ptl. Mike Pintile.
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Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or can provide any additional information is asked to contact the Middletown Township Traffic & Safety Bureau at (732) 615-2045.
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Original story, March 5, 11:05 p.m.
A man who crashed into a tree off Swimming River Road Tuesday night around 7:30 p.m. was charged with DWI -- the third serious motor vehicle crash in two days where drinking and driving is alleged.
On Monday night, there were serious crashes on Route 36 and a half hour later on Woodland Drive that sent drivers to the hospital. Police said the motorists in those two accidents were charged with DWI.
According to Middletown Police Sgt. Paul Bailey, the driver in Tuesday night's accident was traveling northbound on Swimming River Road near Colonial Drive in Lincroft around 7:30 p.m. when he lost control of his SUV, crossed over the road and ran into a tree.
The man was extricated from his vehicle by Lincroft Fire Company, and Middletown Township First Aid & Rescue Squad stood by with their rescue truck and assisted, said Middletown EMS spokesman Bob Pfleger.
Port Monmouth First Aid Squad and MONOC Paramedics transported the male driver to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, said Pfleger.
The man was taken to the hospital "as a precautionary measure," said Bailey.
Further details about the accident were not immediately available Tuesday night because it is still under investigation, said Sgt. Bailey.
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