Intoxicated Motorcyclist Caused 3-Vehicle Crash In Camden Co.: Police

BERLIN, NJ — A man was intoxicated when he struck a car, fell off his motorcycle and got hit by a third vehicle last month in Berlin, according to investigative findings police revealed Thursday.

The motorcyclist — John R. Hummel, 58, of Lindenwold — was charged with assault by auto (fourth-degree) and driving under the influence.

Police responded to the crash just before 7:45 p.m. Feb. 22 at S White Horse Pike and E Taunton Avenue.

Investigators found that Hummel was traveling westbound on the White Horse Pike and approaching E Taunton Avenue. A second vehicle — identified by police as "Vehicle 2" — was traveling eastbound on the White Horse Pik and approaching the same intersection, police said.

Hummel then crossed the center dividing line, struck Vehicle 2 and was ejected from his motorcycle, authorities said. Another car — "Vehicle 3" — was behind Vehicle 2 in traffic and hit Hummel, according to law enforcement.

Hummel sustained "serious" injuries, and the driver of Vehicle 2 was also hurt, authorities said.

Following an investigation, police found probable cause that Hummel was traveling at "a high rate of speed" and possibly under the influence of alcohol during the crash. The Berlin Police Department obtained a search warrant and confirmed that Hummel was intoxicated during the incident.

Hummel is set to appear in Camden County Superior Court.