Driver Crashes Onto Boardwalk Along Toms River, Charged With DUI: Police

ISLAND HEIGHTS, NJ — A driver who crashed onto the boardwalk in Island Heights early Sunday has been charged with driving while intoxicated, police said.

Asa Williams, 42, was arrested following the crash that happened about 1:10 a.m. on Sunday, Island Heights police said.

Williams was driving a 2017 Nissan Altima when he lost control in the area of River Avenue and West End Avenue, police said.

Officers Bryan Monachello and Jake Piantanida found the Nissan on the boardwalk, smoking and damaged, along with downed power lines and a downed street light, police said and photos from the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company show.

Part of the boardwalk sustained serious damage as well, authorities said.

Williams was not injured, police said.

Island Heights firefighters secured the vehicle battery and made sure there was no fire hazard from the power lines that were pulled down with the street light, the fire company said.

In addition to the DWI charge, Williams was ticketed for failure to maintain lane, careless driving, reckless driving and damage to public property, police said. He is to appear in the Island Heights Municipal Court at a later date.

Island Heights First Aid and Island Heights Department of Public Works responded as well.

The damaged portion of the boardwalk has been sectioned off, and authorities urge people to stay off the portion that has been sectioned off with cones and caution tape until it can be repaired, because of safety concerns.