DRIVER INDICTED IN DUI CRASH INJURING PINE BEACH POLICE OFFICERS

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the indictment of Jeffrey S. Carstens, 44, of Belmar, NJ for two counts of 4th Degree Assault by Auto.  If found guilty Carstens is facing a maximum of 18 months in New Jersey State Prison on the two counts.

The indictment stems from the July 18, 2014, motor vehicle crash which injured Pine Beach Police Officers Robert King and Jesse Urban.  On that night in July, the officers were conducting a traffic stop on Route 9 in Pine Beach Township when they were struck and injured by Carstens’ vehicle.  As part of the continuing investigation, samples of Carstens’ blood were collected and analyzed which revealed that his BAC exceeded the legal limit of 0.08%.

On Friday January 2, 2015, at approximately 10:30 am, Jeffrey S. Carstens was served his arrest summons for two counts of Assault by Auto at the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office by Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Det. Michael Proto.  Carstens remains free released on a summons.  Senior Assistant Prosecutor Patrick J. Sheehan is the prosecuting attorney.

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

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