February 21, 2023
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–On February 21, 2023, at approximately 8:01 a.m., Manchester Township Police responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Commonwealth Boulevard and Beacon Street. It was reported to responding police officers that the crash involved a Manchester Township School Bus. Upon arrival, the officers quickly determined that there were no students on the bus at the time of the crash. The investigation revealed that a 2010 Dodge Caliber, operated by 18-year-old Talia Cotto of Manchester, NJ, was making a left turn from Beacon Street onto Commonwealth Boulevard. As the Dodge entered the intersection, it was struck by the school bus which was travelling on Westbound on Commonwealth Boulevard. The operator of the school bus, Caroline Tompkins, 28-year-old from Manchester, NJ, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Community Medical Center for a medical evaluation. The operator of the Dodge was determined to be at fault in the crash and was issued a motor vehicle summons for careless driving. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage and were towed from the scene by Priced Rite towing. This crash is being investigated by Ptl. Anthony Iliadis of the Patrol Division. Also assisting at the scene were EMTs and Career Firefighters from the Manchester Division of Emergency Services along with members of the Ridgeway and Manchester Volunteer Fire Departments.
