Whiting Man Charged With DWI, Leaving The Scene of Route 37 Accident

A Whiting man has been charged with driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident after police say he struck another vehicle from behind, then took off.

The accident, which occurred at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Route 37 and Mule Road, was witnessed by Toms River Police Officer Charles Grainger, said Chief Michael Mastronardy.

Grainger, he said, saw a 2006 Pontiac driven by Daniel Cruz, 37, strike the 2007 Chevrolet being driven by James Dellane, Jr., 18, of Toms River, from behind.

The Pontiac then left the scene, Mastronardy said.

Eventually, cops caught up with Cruz at Lakehurst Road and Silver Ridge Drive where he was then taken into custody by Traffic Safety Officer David Bartoshek. He faces charged of DWI and Leaving the scene of an accident.

There were no injuries in the accident, Mastronardy said.