Toms River Man Injured In Rear-End Crash On Route 37: Police

MANCHESTER, NJ — A Toms River man was injured Tuesday morning when his car was rear-ended at a stoplight by an SUV during the early morning rush hour, Manchester police said.

Douglas Akmentins, 48, of Toms River was taken to Community Medical Center by Quality Medical Transport as a precautionary measure, Lt. Vincent Manco said.

Akmentins was at the wheel of a 2015 Kia Optima that was stopping for a red light on Route 37 westbound about 6:45 a.m. at Colonial Drive when his car was hit from behind by a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Richard Taylor, 23, of Forked River, Manco said. Police did not report any injuries to Taylor.

The vehicles blocked the westbound lanes of Route 37, Manco said.

The two westbound lanes were closed for about 45 minutes while the investigation was conducted and the involved vehicles were towed from the scene, he said.

During the closure, the shoulder of the road was used to allow the passage of motor vehicle traffic, he said.

Assisting at the scene was Manchester Emergency Management Coordinator Arthur Abline. The crash is under investigation by Patrolman Joseph Fastige of the Manchester Police Patrol Bureau.

Photos provided by Manchester Township Police