Manalapan Man Escapes Injury In Manchester Crash: Police

Manchester, NJ -- A Manalapan man was unijured but the driver of a second car is hospitalized after a two-car crash in Manchester Township early Friday morning, police said.

Jevon I. Cotte, 24, of South Toms River, was eastbound on Route 571 in a 2001 Madza Tribute shortly after 1 a.m. when his car and a 2011 Nissan Altima driven by Joseph M. Diperi, 23, of Manalapan, collided, Lt. Vincent Manco said.

Diperi was turning left from Seminole Street onto Route 571 when his car collided with the Mazda, Manco said. The impact caused the Mazda to overturn, and Cotte, who was not wearing his seatbelt, was thrown through the sunroof of the car, Manco said.

Cotte was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, by MONOC paramedics for treatment, Manco said, and is listed in stable condition.

Diperi was wearing his seatbelt and was uninjured in the crash but was evaluated by Manchester First Aid as a precautionary measure. Diperi refused further medical treatment.

Assisting at the scene were Ridgeway Fire Department, Manchester First Aid, MONOC Paramedics, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit and the Ocean County Prosecutors Office. The crash is currently under investigation by Patrolman Anderson of the Manchester Township Police Traffic Safety Unit.

The Manchester Township Police Department would like to remind all operators of motor vehicles to drive safely and to always wear their seatbelts.