By: Tracie Carter:
Ocean County authorities have charged a 27-year-old Philadelphia man following a head-on crash in Lacey Township that left two people seriously injured on September 13, 2026.
According to a statement released by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Jared Beswick was charged September 14 with two counts of Assault by Auto in connection with the crash on Route 539.
Authorities said Lacey Township Police responded near mile marker 16.5 at approximately 8:45 p.m. after receiving reports of a serious collision.
Investigators determined that Beswick was driving a Ford Explorer northbound when the vehicle allegedly crossed into the southbound lane and collided head-on with a Toyota RAV4.
The Toyota driver and a passenger in the Ford were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where both were listed in serious but stable condition.
Prosecutors said officers observed signs of possible impairment and allegedly found open alcohol containers and pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes inside Beswick’s vehicle. A blood sample was later obtained pursuant to a court-authorized warrant.
Beswick was served with the charges at the hospital and is expected to be lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing following his release.
The charges are accusations, and Beswick is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.