Wrong-Way Driver on Route 37 Stopped Before Tragedy Struck

Wrong-Way Driver on Route 37 Stopped Before Tragedy Struck

Three Toms River police officers helped prevent a potentially dangerous situation Saturday when they stopped an intoxicated driver traveling the wrong way on Route 37 before anyone was hurt, authorities said.

The Toms River Police Benevolent Association Local 137 later shared details of the incident on Facebook, praising the officers for their quick response and actions.

According to the PBA, Patrolman Eric Nelson was traveling eastbound on Route 37 when he spotted a vehicle heading in the same direction but mistakenly driving in the westbound lanes.

According to the PBA, Nelson attempted to alert the driver from the eastbound lanes, but the motorist failed to respond and continued traveling the wrong way on Route 37, coming dangerously close to several other vehicles.

The officer then began pursuing the vehicle as the driver continued driving against traffic and attempted to avoid being stopped, the PBA said.

Patrolman Robert King and Patrolman Justin Barberi were returning from a special duty assignment while traveling west on Route 37 when they heard radio reports of the pursuit. The officers positioned their vehicles to stop the wrong-way driver head-on, bringing the pursuit to an end while putting themselves in harm’s way, according to the PBA.

The driver, whose identity was not released, was charged with driving while impaired and second-degree eluding, the PBA said.

The police union praised all of the officers involved for their quick response and willingness to take significant risks to protect the public and prevent injuries to innocent bystanders. The PBA also noted that the incident was one of six DWI arrests Patrolman Nelson made over the weekend.