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Woman Takes Off Running After Causing 3-Car Chain Reaction Crash In Ocean County, Police Say

A house and shed were damaged following a 3-car chain reaction crash caused by a speeding and wild driver Monday night in Ocean County, authorities said.

At the scene

At the scene

Photo Credit: Manchester Township Police

Manchester police responded to County Route 571 and Lockhart Street where two of the three vehicles had slammed into a home around 11:05 p.m.

Officers found a 2005 Toyota Tacoma on the front lawn of 1764 Lockhart St., with extensive front end and rear end damage. A 2010 Honda CR-V was sent into the garage and home of 1764 Lockhart St., with extensive rear end damage.

Approximately 600 feet from the intersection of County Route 571 and Lockhart Street they found a 2021 Hyundai Elantra facing southbound on the northbound grass shoulder of County Route 571 with extensive front end damage. 

Witnesses said that the Elantra was speeding south on County Route 571 and was weaving in and out of traffic. 

The 2005 Toyota Tacoma was traveling south on County Route 571 in the right travel lane when the Elantra attempted to make a lane change into the right lane, and struck the back of the truck, witnesses said.

The impact from the collision caused the Tacoma to run off the road and onto the property of 1764 Lockhart St. As the  Tacoma entered onto the property, it impacted the rear of the CR-V, which was parked in the driveway of 1764 Lockhart St. 

The impact caused the CR-V to lurch forward striking the residence and garage. After impacting the CR-V, the Tacoma struck a shed that was located on the property. The Elantra continued south on County Route 571 crossing over the fog line and centerline several times before coming to a stop on the northbound grass shoulder of County Route 571.

Further investigation into the accident revealed that the driver of the Elantra, fled the scene on foot prior to police arrival, but was later identified as Alexis Connotillo, 29, of Manchester, police said.

It was not clear if she was charged in the crash.

The driver of the 2005 Toyota Tacoma, identified as Dominic Frizino, 70, of Manchester, and not injured.

The 2010 Honda CR-V was unoccupied at the time of the accident. The home at 1764 Lockhart St. was examined by the Manchester Township Building Inspector and was deemed safe for the residents to remain in the household.

Assisting at the scene were EMTs from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, firefighters from Manchester Volunteer Fire Company and Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, Ocean County Sheriff Departments K-9 Unit, the Manchester Township Police Department Drone Unit, and the Manchester Township Building Inspector. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but at this point, the contributing factors of the accident are, unsafe speed, improper lane change and following too closely. This crash is being investigated by Patrolman Conner Yatauro of the Manchester Township Traffic Safety Section.

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