UPDATE: This Morning's Traffic Due to Accident Caused by Hospital Patient Who Stole Vehicles

Oct 26, 2022

UPDATE: This Morning’s Traffic Due to Accident Caused by Hospital Patient Who Stole Vehicles

New details have emerged about this morning’s traffic on Routes 35 and 36 and accident investigation. The backup on the highways, which affected drivers’ commutes through Holmdel and Middletown, reportedly stemmed from an incident in which a crisis patient escaped from Bayshore Hospital. News 12 New Jersey first reported that the patient stole two vehicles, crashed them and was then shot by police.

Sources say the incident began just south of Bayshore Hospital in Holmdel. A white delivery van was allegedly left running when a crisis patient escaped the hospital, stole the vehicle and fled. The driver crashed the van into the median near Navesink River Road. A utility pole fell as a result of the incident.

Police say a good Samaritan stopped to help the driver of the van. Witnesses reported seeing the patient then steal the vehicle of the person who offered help. He drove north on Route 35, crashing between Laurel and Union avenues.

Police arrived on scene in Holmdel, and the patient allegedly threatened officers with a weapon. Authorities reportedly first used a taser on the person, then shot when the person failed to drop the object.

The man was taken to Jersey Shore University Hospital, where he’s being treated for his injuries.

Throughout the morning, Route 36 northbound from Middle Road toward the Garden State Parkway was also closed.

Route 35 is currently operating just one lane on both sides near Navesink River Road. Heavy delays still exist in the area.

Holmdel

Oct 26, 2022