Officers Save Tow Truck Driver’s Life at Crash Scene

On Thursday, March 10, 2022, at approximately 10:38 p.m., multiple officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the area of County Route 571 and Beacon Street for the report of a motor vehicle crash with injuries.

Upon arrival, officers observed a silver, Hyundai Sonata and a white, Nissan Altima both with extensive front- end damage disabled in the roadway.   The investigation determined that the Hyundai Sonota was travelling eastbound on County Route 571 approaching the intersection of Beacon Street when the Nissan Altima which had been travelling westbound, attempted to make a left turn in front of the Hyundai onto Beacon Street.  As a result, the front end of the Hyundai Sonata struck the front end of the Nissan Altima. 

The driver of the Hyundai, 25 year old, Stephanie Bellotti of Manchester, reported no injuries. The driver of the Nissan, 54 year old, Caren Mcaleese also of Manchester, sustained non-life threatening injuries.  Bellotti was treated by Manchester Township EMS, Paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson Barnabus Health and later transported to Community Medical Center by Manchester EMS. 

Upon completion of the crash investigation, Freedom Towing was contacted and responded to the scene. While in the process of removing the vehicles and cleaning debris from the roadway, Manchester officers observed Freedom tow truck driver, John Macchia, age 61 of Bayville collapse in the roadway.  Patrolman Michael Steffen, Patrolman Kyle Rickvalsky, Patrolman Brendan Brush, and Patrolman Julian Meaney quickly assessed Mr. Macchia’s condition and determined that he was unconscious, not breathing and had no pulse. Officers immediately initiated Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and deployed an Automated Exterior Defibrillator (AED).  Life-saving measures and patient care were subsequently turned over to Manchester Township Emergency Medical Service personnel and RWJ Barnabus Paramedics upon their arrival. Mr. Maccia was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment where he is expected to make a full recovery.