Accused of clipping Pine Beach cops, charged with assault by auto

The man behind the wheel of the car that ran into two police officers during a traffic stop in Pine Beach almost a year ago moves a step closer to trial for assault by auto.

Jeffrey S. Carstens, 44, of Belmar, was indicted for two counts of the fourth-degree charge by an Ocean County grand jury, according to information from county Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato.

Officers Robert King and Jesse Urban were hit while conducting an unrelated roadside stop on Route 9 on July 18, 2014.

According to investigators, tests of blood samples taken from Carstens revealed alcohol levels exceeding the 0.08% legal New Jersey limit.

Carstens was served summonses on January 2 of this year. A conviction for each offense would mean a possible prison term of up to 18 months, authorities said.