BRICK SERIOUS ACCIDENT

On Sunday April 26, 2015, at approximately 3:49 pm, Brick Township Police responded to the area of Route 88 and Jack Martin Boulevard for a report of a four (4) car motor vehicle crash involving serious injury.

The investigation by Brick Township Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Accident Investigation Unit and the Ocean County Sheriff’s department CSI found that a 1997 Acura, driven by Frank A. Ferrara, 31, (suspended DL) of Brick, was traveling East on Route 88 when his vehicle failed to stop for traffic ahead and collided into a 2013 Chevy Cruz, driven by Briana Ferlisi of Toms River, which was stopped in the eastbound lane.  The impact from the rear caused major rear end damage to the Chevy Cruz.  All occupants were restrained, however, Kimberly Ferlisi, 15, of Brick, a rear seat passenger, sustained the most serious injury to her head and neck from the impact.  She was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment.  The other two passengers received minor injury and were taken to Ocean Medical Center in Brick.  The driver refused medical attention.

From the force of the impact, the Chevy Cruz went forward impacting a second vehicle, a 2014 Jeep Cherokee, driven by David Bertone of Brick and his passenger Thomas Barten also of Brick.  Neither occupant sustained any injuries, and both refused medical attention at the scene.  The vehicle sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

A third vehicle was struck as a result of the collision which was caused by the Jeep Cherokee being pushed into a 2000 Honda Civic, driven by Sandra Herrera-Perez of Brick, who was also stopped at the intersection.   All four occupants in that vehicle were uninjured and refused medical attention.  The vehicle received very minor damage to the back bumper and also was driven from the scene.

Brick Police officers at the scene observed the at fault driver, Frank A. Ferrara, going in and out of his vehicle in an attempt to get rid of suspected CDS.  Ferrara also showed signs of impairment and several suspected narcotic wax folds were seen in plain view in and around the Acura.  Two syringes were also located on the ground near Ferrara when police approached him.  Ferrara was transported to Ocean Medical Center in Brick where a telephonic search warrant to obtain a blood sample for later testing was applied for and granted by Judge Liguori.

Ferrara was subsequently charged with: Tampering with Physical Evidence; Possession of CDS; Causing Serious Bodily Injury while Driving Suspended; Assault by Auto.  Bail was set at $50,000 with no 10%. Ferrara was lodged in Ocean County Jail.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty