A Beachwood driver and her 11-year-old passenger escape a car crash in downtown Toms River with minor injuries - but now she faces charges.

Water Street crash, 6-22-16 (Toms River Police Dept.)
Water Street crash, 6-22-16 (Toms River Police Dept.)
loading...

Police charged Moria Oday with driving under the influence and reckless driving in the aftermath of the Wednesday morning collision with a utility pole on Water Street that resulted in several hours' worth of street closures and local power outages.

In light of having a minor in the car while allegedly driving with an impairment, she might face additional charges, police said.

The impact of Oday's 2015 Hyundai Sonata caused the pole to snap in half. topple onto the car, and plunge through the windshield. They were trapped inside while Jersey Central Power & Light crews cut the flow to the lines and secured the area for rescue crews.

According to police, Oday said that she was headed east on Water, headed for the left turn to Hooper Avenue, when she swerved to avoid an animal in the road.

Oday and the youngster had their injuries tended at Community Medical Center in Toms River. Police said that contributing factors in the course of treatment led to the charges.

About 315 JCP&L customers lost service for about an hour.

More From Beach Radio