Police: Man Critically Injured in Belmar Crash; Open Alcohol Container Found

Police investigating the scene of a car accident in Belmar found alcohol in the vehicle, according to the Asbury Park Press.

Joao Vicuna, a 23-year-old Trenton resident, was critically injured after hitting a telephone pole, which took place at approximately 3:15 a.m. Sunday, on Route 35 by Oakwood Road, police say.

According to Belmar Police Sgt. Mark Walsifer, the car was “split in half”, with an open container of alcohol found inside when police arrived on scene. Police are unsure if Vicuna had been drinking from the container or not.

Vicuna was transferred to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune with critical injuries. There were no other passengers in the vehicle, and no other cars involved in the accident.

Route 35 was closed in that area during the police investigation, and was reopened Sunday afternoon around 1:00 p.m.