By: Richard L. Smith
A Manchester Township man is facing a series of criminal charges after authorities said he drove the wrong way on Route 37 in Toms River, causing a head-on crash that seriously injured one person before fleeing the scene and allegedly assaulting a police K-9 during his arrest.
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, 30-year-old Andrew Gajewski was charged on May 18 with Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, three counts of Assault by Auto, Resisting Arrest, and Injuring an Animal Used by a Law Enforcement Agency.
Authorities said the crash occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. near Route 37 and Batchelor Street in Toms River.
Police responding to the scene found a 2022 Ford F-150 and a 2021 GMC Acadia with heavy damage consistent with a head-on collision.
Investigators said Gajewski, who was identified as the driver of the Ford pickup, fled the scene on foot following the impact.
The driver of the GMC Acadia was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center where officials said the victim remained in stable condition.
A passenger in the Acadia and a passenger riding in the Ford were both taken to Community Medical Center for treatment and were later released.
Investigators said officers located Gajewski hiding in a wooded area near the crash site.
During the arrest, authorities allege he physically resisted officers and assaulted a Toms River Police K-9 before being taken into custody.
Gajewski was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained during the apprehension.
Officials said officers at the scene observed signs that Gajewski may have been intoxicated. Prosecutors stated that a blood sample was obtained through a court-authorized warrant as part of the ongoing investigation.
A joint investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, the Toms River Township Police Department, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit determined that Gajewski was allegedly traveling on the wrong side of the roadway at the time of the crash.
Authorities further stated that evidence gathered during the investigation indicated Gajewski had been speeding and driving recklessly moments before the collision.
In addition to the criminal charges, Gajewski was issued multiple traffic summonses, including reckless driving, careless driving, failure to maintain lane, leaving the scene of a crash causing injury, and failure to report an accident.
Officials said Gajewski remains hospitalized under police custody and will be transferred to the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing once released from medical care.