Officer Saves Bayville Man From Electrocution In Dump Truck Crash: Police

Manchester, NJ -- A dump truck driver escaped a crash without injury Wednesday morning after a Manchester Township police officer's quick instructions prevented the driver from being shocked by live wires on his truck.

Jason Emme, 25, of Bayville, was southbound on Route 539 Wednesday morning in a Lakehurst Public Works dump truck about 8:45 a.m. when his truck left the road and hit the utility pole near Cherry Street, Manchester Capt. Todd Malland said.

The crash snapped the utility pole, causing live electrical wires to fall on the truck, Malland said.

Manchester Patrolman Rich Chevrier was northbound on Route 539 and was about 500 feet from the truck when he saw sparks as the truck hit the pole, Malland said. Chevrier stopped and using the public address system on his patrol car, told Emme to stay inside the dump truck because of the live wires, he said.

A JCP&L crew was called and cut power to the wires so Emme could get out of the truck, Malland said. Emme did not suffer any injuries as a result of the crash, he said.

Emme told police that a red SUV had made an unsafe left turn from Cherry Street on to Route 539 southbound, causing him to brake and swerve to avoid a collision, Malland said. The evasive action caused the dump truck to leave the road and hit the pole, Emme told police.

The driver of the SUV, which is believed to be a red Jeep Cherokee or Liberty, did not stop following the crash. Police ask that anyone who may have information regarding this vehicle to please call 732-657- 6111. A photo of the vehicle is below:

“The quick thinking of Ptl. Chevrier to use his vehicle’s PA system to warn Mr. Emme to stay inside of his truck was lifesaving,” Sgt. Charles Brooks said. “Residents are reminded to always avoid downed wires, as they could be electrified and extremely dangerous. Alert authorities and never attempt to touch, move, or drive over any wires.”

Electrical service to some residents in the Whiting section of Manchester Township was disrupted because of the crash. The section of Route 539 remained closed Wednesday afternoon while JCP&L repaired the utility pole, Malland said.

Also assisting at the scene were members of the Whiting Volunteer Fire Company and Quality Medical Transport.