Local Cabbie Charged with DWI in Tuesday Newman Springs Road Crash

Update April 24, 11:30 a.m.

From Middletown police:

Minivan taxi driver John Curtis, 39, of Monmouth Street, Red Bank, was charged with failure to observe a traffic signal, careless driving, reckless driving, driving while intoxicated and assault by auto, following an investigation by Middletown Police Patrolman Michael Reuter.

Curtis's minivan was traveling eastbound on Route 520 in Lincroft when it struck a vehicle driven by Edward Stratton, 55, of Arbor Drive in Howell. 

Sarita Sant, age 30, from Hidden Meadows Drive in Ocean was a passenger in the cab.

All three were taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, as a result of injuries sustained during the crash.

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Original story April 23, 10:30 p.m.:

A violent two-vehicle accident at Newman Springs and Half Mile roads, bordering Red Bank, sent three people to the hospital Tuesday night. 

A man driving a Yellow Car Company minivan with a passenger was traveling east on 520 toward Red Bank around 8:30 p.m. when he collided with an SUV exiting the One River Centre office complex there, said Beth Edwards, a spokeswoman for the Middletown Township EMS. The van flipped over the SUV, rolled over and came to rest next to the median near the entrance to the office complex. 

All three people involved in the accident were taken to the Jersey Shore University Medical Center — two by Fairview First Aid ambulances, and one by Lincroft First Aid. Also on scene were Leonardo First Aid & Rescue and Middletown Township First Aid & Rescue.

A Brookdale Community College student was driving in traffic next to the minivan, and told Patch he saw the driver run a yellow light at Half Mile Road and then go through a red light at One River Centre, where he collided with the SUV.

"He flew by me in the left lane, and continued through the red light without even stopping," said Matt Houston. "The driver looked like he was passed out at the wheel."

Huston was first on the scene after the crash, and checked on the person in the SUV, whom he found conscious and alert. He said the van driver was conscious and crawled out of the SUV from the back seat. The front seat passenger was restrained in the seat by a seat belt. Huston said he helped him get out of the belt and out of the vehicle. 

Route 520 was closed in the eastbound direction as police conducted their investigation. Lincroft Fire Co. Station 10 were on scene for a possible gasoline spill. 

The accident is under investigation by the Middletown Township Police, said Det. Lt. Stephen Dollinger.