Driver's Medical Emergency Causes Pickup Truck Crash In Manchester: Police

MANCHESTER, NJ -- An Ocean County man was injured early Monday evening when he suffered a medical emergency and his pickup truck crashed, Manchester police said Tuesday.

Michael Valladares, 57, of Little Egg Harbor, was westbound on Route 70 in a red 1999 Dodge Dakota pickup shortly after 5:30 p.m. when he suffered a medical emergency, Manchester Capt. Todd Malland said.

As a result, Valladares lost control and his pickup crossed the center line, left the road and crashed into a telephone pole and several trees on the eastbound shoulder near Roosevelt City Road, Malland said. Valladares was travelling alone at the time of the crash and was properly restrained with his safety belt, he said. No other vehicles were involved.

Valladares was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash, Malland said, but his current condition is unknown.

The crash closed Route 70 in the area for about an hour, police said.

Assisting at the scene were members from Quality Medical Transport and the Whiting Volunteer Fire Department as well as paramedics from MONOC. Patrolman Vincent DeRome of the Patrol Bureau and Patrolman Antonio Ellis of the Traffic Safety Unit are investigating.