Prosecutor: Lacey Man Stuck In Windshield In Drunk Driver's 1.5-Mile Ride Now On Life Support

Pictured: Marcos A. Ortega, who is charged with driving the car that carried the man who was stuck in the windshield.

The Lacey man hit by a drunk driver while he was walking on Route 9 and ended up half inside the car as it continued more than one mile has lost his leg and is on life support, a spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said.

Kenneth C. Moeller, 61, remains in critical condition at Jersey Shore University Medical Center with “severe” bodily injuries, said spokesperson Al Della Fave.

“At last check, Moeller remains in critical condition at Jersey Shore University Medical Center on life support after having his left leg amputated and multiple life-threatening complications,” he said. “We extend our heartfelt thoughts and condolences to Mr. Moeller’s family and loved ones.”

Ocean Township Patrolman Kyle Flatt noticed the car Monday evening with what appeared to be a person lying on the hood. He stopped the vehicle in the Dolphin Way area and saw that the person was halfway through the windshield, Della Fave said.

Moeller, Lanoka Harbor, had to be extricated by the Waretown Volunteer Fire Department and First Aid Squad members. Moeller suffered serious injuries and was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.

Authorities say that Marcos A. Ortega was heading northbound on Route 9 just north of South Main Street when he crossed into the northbound shoulder and struck Moeller, Della Fave said.

Ortega, 33, was charged with causing serious bodily injury to another while driving under the influence and with leaving the scene of an accident, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Ocean Township Police Chief Gerhard Frenz said in a statement.

His bail was set at $150,000, with no 10 percent option, Della Fave said.

“Ortega continued operating the vehicle for approximately 1.5 miles before being located and stopped by Patrolman Flatt,” he said.