Head-On Collision Leads to Shocking Discovery of Loaded Guns in Vehicle

Head-On Collision Leads to Shocking Discovery of Loaded Guns in Vehicle

LACEY, NJ — Additional weapons charges have been filed against a Philadelphia man accused of causing a head-on crash in Lacey that sent several people to the hospital, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

Jared Bewsick, 27, was charged on Sept. 16 with two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, three counts of possessing a high-capacity ammunition magazine, and possession of hollow-point ammunition. The new charges come on top of two previously filed counts of assault by auto stemming from the Sept. 13 collision, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

The crash happened at approximately 8:45 p.m. Sept. 13 near mile marker 16.5 on Route 539. Lacey police were called to the area after receiving reports of a serious motor vehicle accident, according to Billhimer.

According to Billhimer, a Ford Explorer driven by 27-year-old Philadelphia resident Jared Beswick was traveling northbound on the roadway when police say the SUV was being driven erratically and crossed into the southbound lane. The Explorer then collided head-on with a Toyota RAV4.

The RAV4 driver and a passenger in the Explorer were taken to the hospital and remain in serious but stable condition, Billhimer said.

Billhimer said investigators determined that Beswick displayed signs of possible impairment. Authorities also reported finding open alcohol containers and pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes inside the Explorer.

Beswick was taken to a hospital, where his blood was drawn as part of the investigation. The results of that testing have not yet been made public.

On Sept. 16, detectives carried out a court-approved search warrant and recovered two loaded handguns, three high-capacity ammunition magazines and a quantity of hollow-point ammunition, according to Billhimer. Beswick was formally served with the charges through a complaint-warrant while receiving treatment at the hospital. Once he is released, authorities will transport him to the Ocean County Jail, where he is expected to remain until a detention hearing, Billhimer said.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and additional charges could be filed, according to the prosecutor.