Car That Hit Pole in West Long Branch Had Two Juvenile Passengers

The car that hit a pole on Norwood Avenue on Tuesday afternoon was driven by a 19-year-old Oceanport resident who was transporting two juvenile passengers, West Long Branch Police said.

The accident occurred approximately 4 p.m. and after being called to the scene, West Long Branch Police officers discovered a 1998 Pontiac Firebird that struck a pole.

The Firebird was driven by Christopher J. Clapp, 19, of Oceanport, who was traveling south on Norwood Avenue, north of Hollywood Avenue. 

"The driver apparently lost control of the vehicle and it spun into a utility pole on the west side of Norwood Avenue," West Long Branch Police Capt. Larry Mihlon said. "Witnesses had indicated that the Firebird had passed another vehicle and was traveling at a high rate of speed."

Capt. Mihlon said Clapp and his two passengers, whose names were not released because of their age, were taken to area hospitals for various injuries.

Clapp was issued a summons for reckless driving by investigating officer Patrolman Nicholas Ferrugiaro.

The accident caused Norwood Avenue, from Hollywood Avenue to Brighton Avenue, to be closed for about an hour.

Capt. Mihlon said the West Long Branch Police were assisted by officers from the Long Branch Police Department.