DRIVER STRIKES MAN CONTINUES DRIVING WITH VICTIM LODGED IN VEHICLES WINDSHIELD

Ocean Township, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Chief Gerhard Frenz today announced the arrest of Marcos A. Ortega, 33, of Little Egg Harbor, NJ on charges of Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash and Causing Serious Bodily Injury to Another While Driving Under the Influence. Bail was set at $150,000 no 10% option.

On Monday, November 10, 2014 at approximately 6:39 pm, Ocean Township Police received information that an erratic driver was traveling northbound on Route 9. While attempting to locate the erratic driver, Patrolman Kyle Flatt observed a vehicle travelling north on Main Street, at approximately 6:44 pm, with what appeared to be a person lying on the hood of the vehicle. Patrolman Flatt immediately initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle in the area of Dolphin Way. Upon approaching the vehicle, Patrolman Flatt observed a person halfway through the vehicle’s windshield.

The Waretown Volunteer Fire Department and First-Aid responded and assisted police personnel with extrication. The victim was identified as Kenneth C. Moeller, 61, of Lanoka Harbor, NJ. As a result of the crash Moeller sustained serious injuries and was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition.

The preliminary investigation by the Ocean Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office revealed that prior to the accident the driver was travelling northbound on Route 9 just north of South Main Street, when he allegedly crossed into the northbound shoulder where he struck the male victim. Ortega continued operating the vehicle for approximately 1.5 miles before being located and stopped by Patrolman Flatt.

Ocean Township Police conducted field sobriety tests on Ortega at the scene which determined that Ortega was impaired. A telephonic search warrant was obtained and samples of Ortega’s blood were collected for analysis. The investigation is being continued by the Ocean Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit, Detective Bureau and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.  The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

 

Marcos A. Ortega

Photo Courtesy Ocean County Jail