Driver Charged With DWI After Tesla Hits NJ Natural Gas Truck In South Toms River

SOUTH TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Monmouth County man has been charged with driving under the influence after his Tesla hit a New Jersey Natural Gas truck Sunday night, causing the truck to overturn and injuring the driver, police said.

John W. Gorechlad, 47, of Little Silver, was driving north on Tilton Avenue when he ran the stop sign at Dover Road and hit the rear driver's side of the truck, South Toms River Police Chief William Kosh said.

Get local news updates delivered to your inbox. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters here.

The collision caused the truck to turn on its side and caused a propane tank on board to rupture, Kosh said. The truck belonged to New Jersey Natural Gas, Ocean County Scanner News reported.

It was not known whether Gorechlad was controlling the car or had it in self-driving mode, Kosh said.

The truck driver, a 52-year-old Toms River man, was helped out of the truck through its windshield by Officers Tess Martin and Jaden Kosh. He was taken to Community Medical Center for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening, the chief said.

Gorechlad walked away from the crash and was found just down the road at the Wawa on Dover Road, where he was arrested, Kosh said.

Gorechlad has been charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, failure to stop, and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, Kosh said. He was released pending a future court date.

The Ocean County Sheriff's Department, Beachwood police and the Manitou Park Fire Department assisted, Kosh said.

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