On Saturday, February 13, 2022 at approximately 5:56 pm, officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the intersection of State Highway 70 and Colonial Drive to investigate a motor vehicle accident involving three motor vehicles in the intersection.
Upon arrival, officers observed a silver, 2008 Nissan Altima full engulfed in flames facing west on the eastbound shoulder of State Highway. Officers also found a red, 2018 Mercedes Benz GLC facing west in the eastbound lane of State Highway 70 and a white, 2019 Jeep Cherokee facing north in the intersection of State Highway 70 and Colonial Drive. The investigation revealed that the Nissan Altima was traveling westbound on State Highway 70 at a high rate of speed on the westbound shoulder of State Highway 70 when the driver ran the red light. The Nissan Altima entered into the intersection impacting the white Jeep Cherokee, which was traveling south on Colonial Drive. After impacting the White Jeep Cherokee, the Nissan Altima crossed over the centerline and struck the Mercedes Benz which was in the eastbound travel lane of State Highway 70. After striking the Mercedes Benz the Nissan Altima continued to travel west on State Highway 70 in the eastbound travel before impacting a utility pole and becoming fully engulfed in flames. The driver of the Nissan Altima, was identified as Roy Deronde Jr., out of Kingston, PA, who fled on foot from the scene of the accident. The passenger of the Nissan Altima, was identified as Fannie Kistner, also out of Kingston, PA who fled the scene on foot but was later found and medical attention was rendered. Ms. Kistner was transported to Community Medical Center for her injuries. The driver and passenger of the Mercedes Benz, were identified as Richard and Cathy Kulaszewski, from Toms River, NJ, who were uninjured from the crash. The driver of the Jeep Cherokee, was identified as Grace Poli, of Manchester, NJ.
The driver of the Nissan Alitima, Roy Deronde Jr., was charged with, Assault by Auto, Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Serious Bodily Injury, Hindering Apprehension and Obstruction of Justice. As the investigation is continuing there is a potential that Mr. Deronde could be facing additional charges. The whereabouts of Mr. Deronde are not known, however there is an active warrant for his arrest.
Assisting at the scene were EMTs from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, volunteer firefighters from Manchester Volunteer Fire Company and Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, New Jersey Central Power and Light, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, Lakehurst Police Department, the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but at this point, the disregard of a traffic control device, and a high rate of speed is the contributing cause of the motor vehicle accident. This crash is being investigated by Patrolman Conner Yatauro of the Manchester Township Traffic Safety Unit. Anyone who may have information as to the whereabouts of Roy Deronde is asked to contact the Manchester Police at 732-657-6111. As always callers can remain anonymous. Please keep in mind that, although Roy Derone has been charged criminally, he is innocent until proven guilty in the Court of Law. 