Allegedly impaired Bridgeton driver injured in Margate crash

A Bridgeton man with pending drug charges out of Galloway Township was allegedly under the influence when he crashed into poles at a Margate intersection Wednesday night.

Joseph Shea Jr., 37, was traveling west on Winchester Avenue at about 11:15 p.m., when he went off the road at the Jerome Avenue intersection, striking a traffic light and a utility pole before coming to rest on the sidewalk.

The utility pole was severed in half, causing live wires to fall to the ground.

Shea was evaluated at the scene and taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries, police said.

An officer accompanied ambulance personnel to the hospital to obtain a blood specimen after Shea exhibited signs of impairment, according to police. Officers also discovered drug paraphernalia and what appeared to be a controlled dangerous substance located in Shea’s vehicle.

Shea was charged with possession of crack cocaine and possession with intent to use cocaine by Galloway Township police in March, court records show.

He also was issued citations at that time for driving after his license was suspended or revoked and driving while in possession of a narcotic.

Multiple city and county utility companies assisted with the cleanup and restoration of power to the area.

The crash remains under investigation and criminal charges, including driving under the influence and other motor vehicle violations are pending. The crash is being investigated by Officer Joseph Szapor.

STEVE JASIECKI/Crews work to replace utility pole and traffic light at the intersection of Jerome and Winchester avenues in Margate on Thursday.