3 Injured As Driver Makes U-Turn On Route 70 In Front Of Dumpster Truck, Manchester Police Say

MANCHESTER, NJ — Three people were injured Wednesday when a suspected impaired driver made a U-turn on Route 70 in front of a roll-off dumpster truck, Manchester Township police said Thursday.

Shakiya Duncan, 33, of Atlantic City, and her two passengers, Dajuan Daniels, 19, of Atlantic City, and Jessica Almanzar, 35, of Manchester, were taken to hospitals for treatment after the crash, which was reported at 12:33 p.m., Lt. Chris Cerullo said.

Duncan was driving a 2021 Hyundai Elantra west on Route 70 when she veered onto the shoulder and abruptly tried to make a U-turn across the westbound lane to go east, Cerullo said.

A 2016 Mack GU7 tri-axle roll-off dumpster truck driven by Peter Lewis, 69, of Jackson, was behind the Hyundai and as Duncan made the U-turn, Lewis tried to avoid the car by steering left but the truck hit the car on the driver's side, Cerullo said. The impact pushed the Hyundai toward the curbed median at Woodview Drive, where it came to rest, he said.

Lewis was not injured in the crash, Cerullo said.

Duncan, Daniels and Almanzar had to be extricated from the car, he said. Duncan suffered internal injuries and was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment; her injuries were deemed not life-threatening, Cerullo said.

Daniels also was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center with injuries that were not life-threatening, he said. Almanzar was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River as a precaution, he said.

During the crash investigation police found suspected controlled dangerous substances in the Hyundai, and Cerullo said criminal charges are pending.

A charge of driving while intoxicated is pending as well, Cerullo said.

In addition to Manchester police, the Whiting Volunteer Fire Department, Joint Base MDL Fire Department, Manchester Fire Department, Manchester Emergency Medical Services, Robert Wood Johnson paramedics, and Priced Rite Towing responded to the crash.

Patrolman Jesse Hoydis and Patrolman Connor Yatauro are investigating the crash.