Point Pleasant Man On Bike Hurt In Highway Crash: Cops

A 70-year-old Point Pleasant man who was riding a bicycle was hurt in a crash on Route 72 in Manahawkin this weekend, police said.

John Schwester was hurt while trying to cross Route 72 in front of the Taco Bell on Friday, according to Stafford Township police.

The accident happened at approximately 3:08 p.m. when the Stafford Township Police Department responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision involving a vehicle and a bicyclist on Route 72, police said.

An investigation revealed that a Dodge Ram pickup driven by Christopher S. Olivier, 41, of Little Egg Harbor was traveling west on Route 72, approaching Mill Creek Road, before the truck's trailer struck the bicyclist, police said.

As Olivier drove through the intersection of Mill Creek Road, he saw Schwester crossing Route 72 in front of the Taco Bell, police said. Olivier then attempted to avoid the collision, driving onto the median of Route 72.

As Olivier attempted to avoid the collision, the trailer he was towing struck Schwester and his bicycle, police said.

From the impact, Schwester fell to the ground, and sustained an injury to his left arm. The Stafford Township First Aid Squad and MONOC paramedics arrived shortly thereafter and began further medical treatment on Schwester.

Schwester was later transported to the Atlantic City Medical Center.

At the time of the collision, Schwester was crossing a portion of the highway not marked for crossing and traffic was flowing westbound on Route 72, police said.

Traffic on Route 72 was redirected around the scene for approximately 30 minutes.

Patrolman Jillson is the investigating officer. Assisting on scene were the Stafford Township Volunteer EMS and MONOC Paramedic Unit 216.

State Police photo