Crime & Safety

Freehold Bus Driver's Vehicle Struck in Route 33 Accident

Eatontown driver allegedly fled the scene after accident that closed roadway.

Following a crash that closed part of Route 33 for more than an hour Tuesday afternoon, the Howell Police Department has charged an Eatontown resident involved in the accident on several charges. 

Capt. Andy Kudrick said 25-year-old Freedom Young was driving west on Route 33 when he moved into the eastbound lane and hit a car driven by Mary Hilsher, 62, of Spring Lake. Young's car continued moving and struck an empty school bus driven by 39-year-old Freehold resident Karen Levers. Kudrick said Young's car then struck a car driven by Mary Noto, 51, of Brick.

After finally coming to a stop Kudrick said Young fled the scene and ran onto the property of the Monmouth County Fire Academy. He was then seen inside the property of the neighboring Naval Weapons Station Earle. He then reportedly climbed back over the base's fence to Route 33 where Kudrick said he attempted to enter two occupied vehicles. 

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The first car was being driven by 55-year-old Michael Link of Howell but Kudrick said he was unable to get into the car. He was able to get into the car of 21-year-old Freehold resident Kevin Bibber before being arrested by Lt. Mark Pilecki and Cpl. William Bonner Sr. 

Following the accident Hilsher had to be removed from her car by the Adelphia Fire Company with what Kudrick described as a "moderate injury." She was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center by the Howell First Aid Squad. Capt. Kudrick said no other drivers reported injuries. 

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The bus involved in the accident leaked fluids into a nearby stream according to Kudrick and the Haz-Mat teams from Monmouth County and the Southard Fire Department were called to contain the spill. 

Young was charged with two counts of attempted carjacking, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle while driving under the influence and operating a motor vehicle while revoked and causing injury.

Kudrick said he was also issued summonses for driving under the influence, driving while suspended, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident with injuries and failure to report an accident. 

Bail was set at $308,500 by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Dennis O'Brien and Young was taken to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution."


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