Ocean County authorities announced that on January 30, at approximately 9:45 p.m., officers from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded to the area of Radio Road and Baltusrol Court for a report of a two-vehicle crash with serious injuries.
Officials said an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Little Egg Harbor Police Department revealed that a 2017 Hyundai Elantra operated by Mr. Michael Pillarella, 26, of Manahawkin, was traveling northbound on Radio Road when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway, crossed over the centerline, and struck an oncoming 2006 Toyota XB traveling southbound on Radio Road.
Officials say a juvenile operated the Toyota XB, and there was also a juvenile passenger in the vehicle.
As a result of the crash, both juveniles sustained severe injuries and were subsequently airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where they remain listed in critical condition. Pillarella was airlifted to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Trauma Center in Atlantic City for treatment of his injuries from the crash.
A search warrant was obtained for a draw of Pillarella’s blood, and laboratory results remain pending.
According to officials, Pillarella was treated and released from the hospital, and has been issued motor vehicle summonses for Reckless Driving in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-96, and Failure to Maintain Lane in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-88.
“This matter remains under investigation, and additional charges may be forthcoming,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.