By: Richard L. Smith
An Ocean Gate man has been charged with assault by auto and multiple drug-related offenses following a motor vehicle crash in Lacey Township earlier this week, authorities announced.
According to Bradley D. Billhimer, Michael O’Hare Jr., 38, was charged on January 22, 2026, in connection with a crash that occurred the same morning at the intersection of South Street and Warren Avenue.
At approximately 7:50 a.m., officers from the Lacey Township Police Department responded to reports of a motor vehicle crash in the area.
An investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit–Vehicular Homicide Squad, along with Lacey Township police, determined that an Acura TL operated by O’Hare was traveling eastbound on South Street when it crossed the double yellow center line and struck a Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling westbound.
The driver of the Jeep sustained minor injuries and was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment.
Responding officers reported that O’Hare appeared to be intoxicated at the scene.
After failing standardized field sobriety tests, he was charged with driving under the influence and placed under arrest.
A search incident to the arrest led officers to recover methadone, Gabapentin pills for which O’Hare did not have a valid prescription, and drug paraphernalia.
O’Hare was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for evaluation and treatment.
As part of the investigation, a blood draw was obtained pursuant to a court-authorized warrant. The results remain pending.
O’Hare was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains lodged pending a detention hearing.