'Black Friday' Shopping Drowsiness Leads to Car Accident in Toms River

The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident in which his car overturned blamed his own post-shopping drowsiness for the incident.

Kyle Gordon, 20, of Lakewood, told police he was driving home from an all-night “Black Friday” shopping trip when he dozed off while traveling east on Bay Avenue at about 8 a.m., Chief Michael Mastronardy said.

His vehicle struck a curb, causing it to overturn, Mastronardy said.

Gordon was not injured in the crash, which is being investigated by Officer Krzysztof Kowalczyk.

A second accident around 2:30 p.m. Friday afternoon involved five vehicles, Mastronardy said.

Traffic Safety Officer Brian Doyle is investigating the Bey Lea Road accident, which resulted in three injuries.

Mastronardy said Amanda Piana, 29, of Toms River was traveling eastbound on Bay Lea when her 2005 vehicle crossed the center line and struck four vehicles that were traveling westbound. 

Lorraine Johnson, 30, of Manchester, Robert Werner, 22, of Manchester and Joni Bragen, 45, of Toms River were transported to Community Medical Center after the accident.

The roadway was closed for one hour due the crash and investigation.

Piana told police she was cut off by another vehicle which caused her to cross into oncoming traffic, said Mastronardy.

Doyle, upon investigation and other witnesses statements, issued Piana motor vehicle summonses, including failing to stay within marked lanes of travel, police said.