Driver Crashed Into Another Car, Caught With Drugs In Lacey: Prosecutor

LACEY, NJ — An Ocean Gate man was charged with assault by auto and drug offenses after a two-vehicle crash in Lacey, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Michael O’Hare, Jr., 38, was driving an Acura TL east on South Street in Lacey at about 7:50 a.m. on Jan. 22 when he crossed over the double yellow line and struck a Jeep that was heading west, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

The Jeep driver was hospitalized for minor injuries, Billhimer said.

O'Hare appeared to be intoxicated and officers tried to administer field sobriety tests, Billhimer said. He was unable to perform the tests and was charged with driving under the influence and placed under arrest.

A search revealed a quantity of methadone, gabapentin pills that he had no valid prescription for and drug paraphernalia, Billhimer said.

O'Hare was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for evaluation and treatment. A warrant was secured to obtain a blood draw; the result of that draw is pending, Billhimer said.

He was then take to Ocean County Jail, where he remains pending a detention hearing.