Point Boro Man Charged With Assault By Auto, DUI After Crash Leaves Man In Critical Condition

A Point Pleasant man is facing assault by auto and drunk driving charges after his 2003 Ford Explorer overturned and ejected a passenger, according to a spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

Andrew L. Roe, 23, was reported driving erratically south on Burnt Tavern Road at 1:22 a.m. this morning. Point Pleasant and Brick Township police responded and found the vehicle overturned in a wooded area past the northbound shoulder, said Al Della Fave.

“One occupant was seen attempting to leave the scene through the woods carrying a case of beer,” he said. “Two other occupants were near the shoulder of the roadway, while a fourth subject was partially ejected from the passenger side rear door.”

Roe was arrested for driving while intoxicated and taken to the Brick Township police department. Patrick Smalling, 25, Point Pleasant, was spotted trying to leave the scene on foot and was arrested for obstructing the investigation, Della Fave said.

Michael Guerrero, 25, was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. He is listed in critical condition, Della Fave said.

Brandon Nikola, 25, a fourth passenger, was uninjured and taken home by Point Pleasant police, he said.

Tire marks indicate that the Ford Explorer was approaching Mill Pond Road when it veered into the shoulder for an unknown reason and began to cross lanes on the northbound side of the road, Della Fave said.

“The vehicle entered into a critical speed yaw, hit the unimproved shoulder and rolled onto its roof in the wooded area,” he said.

Roe’s bail was set at $15,000 cash. He was also charged with six motor vehicle violations, Della Fave said.

Anyone witnesses are asked to contact: Officer Scott Dierking of the Brick Township police Traffic Safety Unit at 732-262-1150 or Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Mitchell Remig at 732-929-2027.