TOMS RIVER, NJ-On Wednesday January 2, 2019 at approximately 5:20 PM, multiple units were dispatched to the intersection of Bey Lea Road and North Bay Avenue for a report of a traffic crash. Louise Frankel, 82 of Manchester, was travelling west on Bay Ave when her vehicle was struck by a 2012 Toyota Prius driven by, Dhananjay Joshi, 63 of Toms River who was attempting to make a left onto North Bay Avenue. Ms. Frankel’s vehicle subsequently struck the traffic light pole causing it to fall onto her vehicle. She sustained a compound fracture to her ankle and was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center for treatment. Mr. Joshi sustained a laceration to his head and was transported to Community Medical center for treatment.
Mr. Joshi was issued summonses for Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving and Failing to Yield the Right of Way at an Intersection. He was also charged with Assault by Auto for his intoxication being a contributing factor to the crash leading to the serious injury to another driver.
The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are accusations only. Every criminal defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.