Car Rams House in Barnegat

A Manahawkin 22-year-old escapes unscathed from a spectacular car crash that tied up Route 9 in Barnegat for several hours this morning.

Police say Travis Tobia's 2012 Kia Optima veered off the northbound side of the highway about 8:21 AM, careened into a utility pole and continued across Brook Street, stopping when it hit a house fronting that street.

According to police, the utility pole was severed in the impact, leaving the top portion suspended by wires above Route 9. Traffic was detoured off the highway for three and a half hours while Verizon crews replaced the pole. Siding on the house was also damaged.

Investigating officers determined that Tobia fell asleep at the wheel, and cited him for reckless driving.

Barnegat volunteer firefighters from Station 11 and New Jersey Department of Transportation crews assisted police. The investigation is being handled by Patrolman Michael Moore.