On Saturday, January 8, 2022, at approximately 8:30 a.m., officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the area of State Highway 37 and Colonial Drive, to investigate a motor vehicle crash involving two motor vehicles that collided near the intersection.
Upon arrival, officers observed a silver, 2007, Mercury Grand Marquis with extensive rear end damage in the westbound lanes of travel, and a black, 2018 Chevrolet Colorado with extensive front end damage on State Highway 37, also in the westbound lanes. The investigation revealed that the Chevrolet was traveling west on State Highway 37 when it collided with the Mercury, which was stopped at the red traffic signal.
The driver of the Chevrolet, 30-year-old Jayna Deshay of Browns Mills, was injured due to partial ejection caused by not wearing a seatbelt during impact. Deshay was subsequently transported, via Manchester Township Division of Emergency Service EMTs, to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment and evaluation of her injuries, where she is currently listed in stable condition. The driver of the Mercury, 38-year-old Jaimie Hom, of Toms River was also transported to Jersey Shore University Medical for the treatment and evaluation of non-life-threatening injuries.
The intersection was partially closed causing traffic delays while officers conducted the investigation. The investigation into this crash is ongoing, but at this time, inattentive driving appears to be the primary contributing factor. Assisting at the scene were members of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department, and Manchester Volunteer Fire Department, as well as, Manchester Township Division of Emergency Service EMTs, Jackson Township EMTs, and Robert Wood Johnson Paramedics. This crash is being investigated by Patrolman Keith Douglas of the department’s Traffic Safety section.