Police Lights (Photo: Jason Rojas/Flickr)
A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle Monday night just after 9 p.m., police said, and the investigation has shown that alcohol on the part of the pedestrian may have played a role.
Toms River police were called to Route 9 near the intersection of Clover Road for reports of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle while crossing Route 9 in front of Stop and Shop, said police spokeswoman Jillian Messina. Mihai Pasnicu, 72 of Lakewood, was traveling southbound on Route 9 when he struck Eric Sexton, 52 of Toms River. Saxton was unresponsive upon police arrival and was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center by Hatzolah EMS, Messina said.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the driver, Pasnicu, was not impaired, and not utilizing his cell phone at the time of the accident, Messina said. The same investigation also “indicated the pedestrian, Mr. Saxton, may have been under the influence of alcohol, and he was wearing dark clothing at the time of the accident.”
Motor vehicle charges against Sexton are pending. The investigation ongoing by Traffic Safety officer Adam Koeppen and Evidence Tech Officer William Hutton.
