Intoxicated Driver Strikes Parked Cars, Garage on Laurel Brook Drive

A pair of parked cars and a home garage on Laurel Brook Drive were struck by an allegedly intoxicated motorist just after 2 a.m. Saturday morning, said Brick Police.

According to Sgt. John Talty Jr. of the Brick Township Police Department, 20 year-old Lavarr Baxter of Toms River is alleged to have driven under the influence, striking two parked vehicles on Laurel Brook Drive. One of those parked vehicles then itself collided with a garage attached to a home at 460 Laurel Brook Drive, the officer added.

“Mr. Baxter was charged with careless driving, reckless driving, unsafe lane change, operating a motor vehicle under the influence, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence while underage,” said Talty.

Talty described that the presence of a steep embankment and attempting to navigate a 90-degree turn on Laurel Brook Drive is what caused Baxter to lose control of his vehicle and led to the collisions which followed.

“Baxter was uninjured in the accident, and was taken into custody by Officer Paul Catalina, who was participating in a supplemental drunk driving enforcement program,” said Talty.

Talty said that Baxter was released to the custody of a friend, after being processed at police headquarters.

Fire Marshal Kevin Batzel added that Laurelton Station 23 was called to assist police on the scene. The fire department had been alerted to the scene just in case a fire broke out from any of the vehicle collisions, but there were none present.