Police, Fire & Courts

Toms River Man Charged With DWI After Crashing Into Pole, House

by
Daniel Nee
February 8, 2023

A vehicle strikes a home in Manchester, N.J., Feb. 8, 2023. (Photo: Manchester Police Department)

A Toms River man has been charged with driving while intoxicated following an accident in which he crashed his vehicle into a utility pole, then into a residential home.

Scott Skweres, 48, of Toms River, suffered minor injuries in the crash, which took place Wednesday at about 9:49 a.m. on Route 571 near the border with Jackson Township in Manchester.

Upon arrival at the scene, according to Capt. Vincent Manco, officers observed a 2006 Lincoln Town Car facing northeast on the front yard of a residence on the county road. An eyewitness to the incident reported seeing the Lincoln traveling eastbound on County Road 571, swerving in and out of the lane of travel, moments before the crash occurred, police said.

A vehicle strikes a home in Manchester, N.J., Feb. 8, 2023. (Photo: Manchester Police Department)

The investigation determined that the Lincoln subsequently swerved off the roadway onto the eastbound shoulder and struck a mailbox and a utility pole. After impacting the utility pole, the Lincoln traveled across the road, left the roadway and hit a residence.

The damage at the scene consisted of a broken mailbox, a severed utility pole which came to rest across the county road, and damage to the residence, said Manco.

Skweres refused further medical attention after being evaluated by EMTs from the Manchester Division of Emergency Services, police said. Additional investigating led to Skweres’ arrest for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. He was subsequently transported to Manchester Police Headquarters where he was processed and released pending a court appearance.

As a result of the crash, County Road 571 between County Road 547 and Whitecomb Avenue in Jackson Township was closed in both directions while repairs were being made.