On Monday, November 25, 2019 at approximately 9:04 PM police units were dispatched to Route 9 near the intersection of Clover Road for reports of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle while crossing Route 9 in front of Stop and Shop. Mihai Pasnicu, 72 of Lakewood, was travelling southbound on Route 9 when he struck Eric Sexton, 52 of Toms River. Mr. Saxton was unresponsive upon police arrival and was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center by Hatzolah EMS.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver, Mr. Pasnicu, was not impaired, and not utilizing his cell phone at the time of the accident. Investigation also indicated the pedestrian, Mr. Saxton, may have been under the influence of alcohol, and he was wearing dark clothing at the time of the accident. Motor vehicle charges to Mr. Sexton are pending. The investigation ongoing by Traffic Safety officer Adam Koeppen and Evidence Tech Officer William Hutton.