Minivan Smashes Into Manchester Bedroom

MANCHESTER, NJ — A Manchester couple found themselves with unexpected company on Sunday morning after a minivan smashed through their bedroom wall, Manchester police said.

William Doty, 72, and his wife, Linda, 70, were in their bedroom in their Brentwood Drive home on Sunday morning when a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica smashed through the bedroom wall, Manchester Capt. Todd Malland said. The incident was reported at 10:24 a.m.

The Dotys were on the opposite side of the room when the minivan smashed the wall and suffered minor injuries, Malland said. They were treated by first aid at the scene and taken to Ocean Medical Center in Brick for further treatment. Their injuries do not appear to be life threatening, Malland said.

The driver of the Pacifica, James Toth, 55, of Whiting, told police he was backing out of his driveway at the time of the incident. When he went to take the vehicle out of reverse and put it into drive, the minivan began accelerating uncontrollably in reverse, going across the street and over the lawn of the Brentwood Drive residence, continuing to pick up speed until it smashed into the Dotys' bedroom.

Toth was not hurt in the crash, Malland said.

Assisting on scene were EMTs from Quality Medical Transport as well as members of the Whiting Volunteer Fire Department. Also assisting was the Manchester Township building inspector.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, Malland said, but at this point, driver error appears to be a contributing factor. Patrolman Anderson is investigating.

Have a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com Follow Manchester Patch on Facebook.