
Manchester Man Charged After Wrong-Way Crash, Foot Chase, Assault on Police K-9 in Toms River
A Manchester Township man has been charged after authorities say he caused a head-on crash in Toms River, fled the scene on foot, resisted arrest and assaulted a police K-9.
Andrew Gajewski, 30, of Manchester Township, was charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in serious bodily injury, three counts of assault by auto, resisting arrest, and injuring an animal used by a law enforcement agency.
The charges stem from a crash that occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. Monday in the area of Route 37 and Batchelor Street in Toms River. Officers responding to a report of a crash with injuries found a 2022 Ford F-150 and a 2021 GMC Acadia with damage consistent with a head-on collision.
Authorities said Gajewski, who was driving the Ford, fled the scene on foot after the crash. The driver of the GMC Acadia was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he is listed in stable condition. A passenger in the Acadia and a passenger in the Ford were taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where they were treated and released.
Gajewski was later taken into custody in a wooded area near the crash scene after allegedly physically resisting arrest and assaulting a Toms River Police Department K-9. He was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained during his apprehension.
Officers at the scene observed signs of intoxication, according to authorities. As part of the investigation, a sample of Gajewski’s blood was obtained pursuant to a court-authorized warrant.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, the Toms River Township Police Department, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit determined that Gajewski was traveling on the wrong side of the roadway at the time of the collision. Investigators further determined that he had been speeding and driving recklessly shortly before the crash.
In addition to the criminal charges, Gajewski was issued numerous motor vehicle summonses, including reckless driving, careless driving, failure to maintain lane, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash causing injury, and failure to report an accident.
Gajewski remains in custody at Community Medical Center. Upon his release from the hospital, he will be transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he will remain pending a detention hearing.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and authorities said additional charges may be forthcoming.