TOMS RIVER: On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at approximately 12:30 PM, police units were dispatched to the intersection of Route 37 and Hooper Avenue for a reported motor vehicle accident. The initial investigation revealed Daniella Ippolitto, 36 of Toms River, was travelling westbound on Route 37 at a high rate of speed when she lost control of her SUV while changing lanes, and crashed into a vehicle that was stopped for the red light at the intersection; and ultimately a traffic signal, causing it to fall into the roadway, forcing the closure of one lane eastbound on Route 37.

The sole occupant of the stopped vehicle, a 19-year-old male, suffered minor injuries. Ms. Ippolitto was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment of her injuries. She received citations for careless driving, failure to maintain lane, failure to keep right, and reckless driving. The accident remains under investigation by Toms River Traffic Safety Officer Ryan Fitzgerald.