Manchester man’s car knocks down light fixtures, catches fire in Toms River

A Manchester Township man is in quite the pickle after getting behind the wheel while drunk which led to him swerving down Route 37 in Toms River, striking a median and then knocking down two traffic signals near Peter Avenue early Monday morning around 3:14 am.

Toms River Police said they found 43-year old Kristofer Coltenback standing outside of hie Ford Explorer which had caught fire in the roadway.

Coltenback had been driving westbound on Route 37 when he approached the intersection, swerved left, struck the median and then continued down the highway Toms River Police said and knocked down a traffic signal.

As if that weren't enough, Coltenback kept on driving until he knocked down a second traffic signal which sent his Ford Explorer back onto the eastbound side of Route 37.

He then kept going and struck another curb onto a grass island and then finally stopped near Batchelor Avenue.

The damage was already done though.

As a result of the crash, police found two traffic light poles laying on the ground in the intersection and the vehicle engulfed in flames and thus destroyed.

The fire was contained and extinguished by Toms River Fire Companies 1 & 2.

The accident is being investigated by Traffic Safety Officer, PJ Gambardella. Mr. Coltenback was issued summonses for DWI, Driving on a Revoked License, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, and Violation of Governor’s Executive Order Non-Essential Travel approved by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

Coltenback’s vehicle was impounded as a per John's Law.