On September 16th at 8:21am, Barnegat police responded to the area of Route 9 and Brook St for a report of a car striking a residence.
Upon arrival officers found a 2012 white Kia Optima on the front lawn of 117 Brook Street. Their investigation revealed that the Kia, operated by Travis Tobia, 22, of Manahawkin was travelling northbound on Route 9 when it left the roadway, struck a utility pole, continued across Brook Street and came to rest against the residence at 117 Brook Street.
The collision severed the utility pole which was left suspended by utility wires in the middle of the roadway. Route 9 was closed in both directions for 3.5 hours while Verizon replaced the pole.
Tobia, who was uninjured, was found to have fallen asleep at the wheel. He was issued a summons for reckless driving.
The residence at 117 Brook Street sustained minor damage to the siding.
Barnegat police were assisted by Barnegat Volunteer Fire Company Station 11 and the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
Patrolman Michael Moore is the investigating officer.
