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March 24, 2023
According to the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, on March 24, 2023, Charles Sharkey, Jr., 33, of Jackson Township, was charged with four counts of Aggravated Assault, four counts of Assault by Auto, Unlawful Taking of a Means of Conveyance, Causing Death or Injury While Driving with a Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License, and multiple motor vehicle summons, in connection with a serious motor vehicle crash that occurred on March 23, 2023, in Toms River.
Officers from the Toms River Police Department were called to the intersection of Route 70 and Massachusetts Avenue on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at around 4:00 p.m. for a report of a significant car accident. During a preliminary examination, the responding police discovered that Sharkey was driving a 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 that was heading east on Route 70 as it approached the intersection with Massachusetts Avenue. Sharkey ran the red light at the intersection and struck the rear of a 2016 Honda CRV that was turning left onto Massachusetts Avenue while traveling west on Route 70.
As a consequence of the crash, the adult driver of the Impreza and two of the juvenile passengers were taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) in Neptune Township for treatment of minor injuries; they were subsequently released. The third juvenile passenger of the Impreza was also taken to JSUMC with serious injuries and is presently listed in critical condition.
Further investigation revealed that Sharkey had been driving erratically and was utilizing a cellular device just prior to the crash. Additionally, it was learned that Sharkey had a suspended driver’s license at the time of the crash, as well as two active warrants for his arrest. It was also determined that the Dodge Ram was a rental vehicle - taken by Sharkey without the renter’s consent.
Sharkey was placed under arrest at the scene. He was transported to Monmouth Medical Center-Southern Campus in Lakewood for treatment of his injuries. While at the hospital, Detectives obtained a warrant for a draw of Sharkey’s blood; the laboratory results relative to the blood draw remain pending. Sharkey was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing. Further charges may be forthcoming.
