Loaded Guns Found In Car Following Lacey Head-On Crash: Prosecutor

LACEY, NJ — New weapons charges have been filed against the Philadelphia driver accused in a head-on collision that resulted in multiple hospitalizations, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

Jared Bewsick, 27, was charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, three counts of possession of a high-capacity ammunition magazine and possession of hollow point ammunition on Sept. 16. These are in addition to Beswick's initial two counts of assault by auto in connection with the Sept. 13 crash in Lacey, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

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At about 8:45 p.m. Sept. 13, Lacey police responded to the area of mile marker 16.5 on Route 539 for the report of a serious motor vehicle crash, Billhimer said.

A Ford Explorer, driven by 27-year-old Philadelphia resident Jared Beswick, was driving "erratically" north on the road when the SUV crossed over into the southbound lane, colliding head-on with a Toyota Rav4, Billhimer said.

The Toyota Rav4's driver and a passenger of the Explorer were hospitalized and are currently in serious but stable condition, Billhimer said.

Investigation revealed that Beswick showed outward signs of impairment, Billhimer said. Open containers of alcohol and pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes were seen in the Explorer, Billhimer said.

Beswick was hospitalized and had his blood drawn, Billhimer said; the results of the draw have not been released.

A court-authorized search warrant was executed on Sept. 16, Billhimer said. Detectives seized two loaded handguns, three high-capacity ammunition magazines and a quantity of hollow point ammunition, Billhimer said.

Beswick was served the charges via complaint-warrant at the hospital. Upon his release, he will be taken to Ocean County Jail, where he will remain pending a detention hearing, Billhimer said.

The crash remains under investigation. Additional charges may be forthcoming, Billhimer said.