Brick Motorcyclist Injured in 3 Vehicle, Hooper Ave. Accident

Three Brick motorists were involved in a Monday night accident that sent one man to a trauma center.

The 6:25 p.m. accident occurred near the Brick Elks lodge on Hooper Avenue, when police say a 2005 Dodge Magnum wagon being driven by Sandra Castillo, 49, made a right turn from Old Silverton Road onto Hooper Avenue southbound, directly into the path of an oncoming motorcycle.

The 2006 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, being driven by Keith Valencia, 26, then struck the Dodge and crossed over into the opposing lane, colliding with a third vehicle – a 1997 Plymouth Voyager minivan being driven by Arlene Stiffler, 63.

Stiffler attempted to evade the oncoming motorcycle but was unable to do so, said Brick Police Sgt. David Bedrosian of the Traffic Safety Unit.

The motorcycle continued southbound on Hooper before leaving the east side of the roadway in front of the Elks lodge, striking sections of wood rail fencing in front of the property before coming to a stop, said Bedrosian, at which point Valencia was ejected.

Officers Sean Flynn and Eric Haugh were the first responders on scene, followed by Brick Police EMS and MONOC paramedics. Valencia, said Bedrosian, was transported by medevac helicopter to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, with injuries to his legs, right hand and forearm.

The other two drivers were not injured.

The north and southbound lanes of Hooper Avenue in the area of the crash were closed for approximately two and a half hours while an investigation took place, said Bedrosian, as traffic was detoured at both Old Silverton Road and at Beaverson Boulevard.

"The cause of the crash appears to be the fault of [Castillo] for failing to yield the right of way," Bedrosian said.

Summonses are pending as the investigation, which is being conducted by Bedrosian and Officer Scott Dierking, continues.