Driver Hits Cyclist, Takes Down Utility Pole On Route 9 In Stafford

A bicyclist riding north on the southbound shoulder of Route 9 by Southern Regional High School was struck this afternoon by a Chevy Tahoe that veered off the roadway, then struck a utility pole, Capt. Thomas Dellane said.

Richard E. Smrkovsky, 60, suffered a severe injury to his left leg and was taken to Southern Ocean Medical Center shortly after the 11:38 a.m. accident for treatment, Dellane said.

Stafford police charged Jonathan M. Tedesco, 51, Manahawkin with careless driving and failure to maintain lane. Tedesco was traveling south on Route 9 at the time of the accident. He was uninjured but his vehicle was heavily damaged and was towed from the scene, Dellane said.

Traffic was temporarily re-directed off Route 9 to Cedar Bridge Road. Verizon and the state Department of Transportation arrived at 1 p.m. to replace the pole and reopen Route 9 to traffic, Dellane said.

Patrolman Jillson is the investigating officer.