Driver Identified In Wunder Weiner Accident in Berkeley

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ - Berkeley police have identified the driver in the crash that destroyed the popular Wunder Wiener as a Lacey Township man, Chief Karin T. DiMichele said.

Mark Poplawski, 52, Forked River, suffered minor head and neck injuries and was treated at Community Medical Center in Toms River, the chief said.

Beachwood Councilman Gerald LaCrosse, 73, the owner of the popular business, remains hospitalized at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune with serious injuries.

LaCrosse was airlifted to the trauma center shortly after the Monday morning crash, when Poplawski's car plowed into the building while LaCrosse was inside.

The building was removed from the parking lot near the Beachwood Shopping Center for safety concerns and was taken to a secure facility, DiMichele said.

All that remained of the business today was a black smudge where the building once stood.

It's not the first time the LaCrosse family has experienced a vehicle-related tragedy. Years ago, their daughter was killed in a Toms River car accident. She was stopped at a light when her car was rear-ended by another car, which pushed hers into traffic.
SubscribeThe Beachwood Police Department has a photo of a smiling LaCrosse as their Facebook profile picture.

"We are praying for Council Member Gerald LaCrosse who was seriously injured today at his business in Berkeley Township," the post says. "Mr. LaCrosse was at his business when a SUV lost control and struck the trailer that he was in. Everyone knows the Wunder Wiener Hot Dog Stand and the impact his business had in not only our community, but the Jersey Shore! It was a terrible day for the Beachwood / Berkeley Community...Please keep this wonderful Man and his family in your thoughts during this difficult time."

The accident is still under investigation by Berkeley Township detectives, the Berkeley Township Traffic Safety Bureau and the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, DiMichele said.

Anyone with information about the accident is asked to contact Detective Michael Riccardelli at 732-341-1132 x2136 or Patrolman Michael Bulwinski at 732-341-1132 x2125. Information can be confidential.

Photos: Courtesy of Beachwood Police Department