A black Dodge Charger was traveling northbound in the southbound lane on State Highway 47. As the black Dodge Charger continued traveling in the opposite lane, a silver Toyota Highlander and a red Kia Sorento approached from the southbound lane. As the Dodge Charger approached the Toyota Highlander, the driver of the Toyota attempted to avoid impact with the Dodge by traveling in the northbound lane. The Dodge ultimately collided with the rear of the Toyota, causing the Toyota to overturn on the passenger side of the vehicle, coming to an uncontrolled final rest in the northbound lane.
After the impact with the Toyota, the Dodge continued northbound in the southbound lane, impacting with the Kia head on. After the second impact, the Dodge came to an uncontrolled final rest facing east in the southbound lane, while the Kia came to an uncontrolled final rest facing west in the northbound lane.
The driver of the Dodge Charger, Christopher Vazquez, of Atco, sustained a laceration to his mouth and a bloody nose. The occupant of the Dodge Charger was transported to Cape Regional Medical Center for evaluation.
The driver and the occupants of the Toyota Highlander sustained non-life threatening injuries.
The driver of the Kia Sorento sustained a head laceration, as well as a complaint of pain in her entire body.
A criminal investigation ensued due to circumstances surrounding the accident. Vazquez was criminally charged with assault by auto, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, as well as driving under the influence. Additional charges are pending.
Members of the New Jersey State Police Criminal Investigation Office, Fatal Accident Investigation Unit, and Crime Scene Investigation Unit assisted with this investigation, which is still ongoing.
Responding units included Dennis Township Fire Department, Dennis Township EMS, and AtlantiCare Paramedics.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This report is based on information received from law enforcement.
