Manahawkin Man Charged In Crash That Injured 2 Teens: Prosecutor

LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ — A Manahawkin man has been charged with aggravated assault and assault by auto after a crash that left two teenagers with serious injuries, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said.

These charges were filed in addition to the summonses issued against Michael Pillarella, 26, for the two-car crash that took place Saturday.

Little Egg Harbor Township police responded to the area of Radio Road and Baltusrol Court for a report of a crash at 9:45 p.m., authorities said.

According to the investigation, Pillarella was traveling northbound in a Hyundai Elantra on Radio Road when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway, crossed over the centerline and struck an oncoming Toyota XB travelling southbound on Radio Road.

The Toyota XB was driven by a teenager with another teenager in the front passenger seat—both of whom are under the age of 18. According to the Press of Atlantic City, the two teens are students at Pinelands Regional High School.

The juveniles sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where they remain listed in critical condition, the OCPO said.

Pillarella was airlifted to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Trauma Center in Atlantic City for treatment of his injuries from the crash, authorities said.

He was treated and released from the hospital, and was issued summonses for reckless driving and failure to maintain lane. Additional charges were filed against Pillarella on Monday, including aggravated assault and assault by auto .

Pillarella was processed at Little Egg Harbor Police Headquarters and taken to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains lodged pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said a search warrant was obtained for a draw of Pillarella’s blood and laboratory results remain pending.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit assisted in the investigation.

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