LAKEWOOD, NJ – A single-car motor vehicle accident occurred around 9 p.m. last night at the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and South Street, prompting a response from the Lakewood Police Department.
Officers Julian Guzman and Eric Micallef arrived at the scene, where they discovered a 2009 Toyota Highlander overturned in the nearby woods. Trapped inside the vehicle was 32-year-old Jessi Brito, a resident of Lakewood.
Efforts to free Brito from the wreckage began, with the assistance of the Lakewood Fire Department, EMS, and Hatzolah. After a short period, the combined rescue team successfully extricated Brito from the overturned SUV.
He was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center to receive medical attention for neck, shoulder, and back pain.
As the investigation into the incident progressed, it was determined that Brito had been operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Appropriate charges were filed against him in relation to the crash.
This incident is the latest addition to a concerning trend, as Lakewood has witnessed at least six DUI-related crashes since mid-March of this year, according to the Lakewood Police Department.