Driver Cuts Across Route 22, Crashes And Becomes Trapped In Bridgewater: Police

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A trapped 90-year-old driver was rescued after trying to cut across Route 22 to get to the Bridgewater Diner on Monday, said Bridgewater Police Sgt. Kevin Florczak.

Just before noon, Bridgewater Police were called to the area of Route 22 East near Adamsville Road for a two-vehicle motor vehicle crash with one trapped driver.

Officers found a 2024 Lexus ES with heavy damage disabled in the parking lot of the Bridgewater Diner, as well as a 2020 Ford F-350 car carrier.

A preliminary investigation found that the Lexus was driving north on Adamsville Road when the driver tried to cross three lanes of Route 22 East to enter the Bridgewater Diner parking lot, said Florczak.

While doing so, the Lexus was hit on the driver’s side by the Ford F-350, which was driving on Route 22 East.

"The impact caused significant damage to the Lexus, trapping the driver, Arthur Stevens, 90, of Sanibel, Florida, inside the vehicle," said Florczak.

Stevens was rescued by emergency personnel including Finderne Fire Department and sustained minor injuries.

He was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for treatment by Martinsville Rescue Squad.

The driver of the Ford F-350 was not injured.

This crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information related to this crash is asked to contact the Bridgewater Police Department at 908-722-4111.

The Finderne Fire Department also responded to the crash. The fire department, which covers the southeast section of Bridgewater Township, is always looking for volunteers.

Volunteers are offered complete protective gear, free training, LOSAP (Length of Service Award Programs), a pay-per-call incentive, a life insurance/disability plan, and an in-house gym.

If interested in joining or have any questions, contact the department through their Facebook page facebook.com/FinderneFD.

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