Brick Man Faces Drug, Assault by Auto Charges in Sunday Accident That Injured 3

Frank A. Ferrara (Photo: Ocean County Jail)

A Brick man is facing a slew of charges after police say he caused a serious accident Sunday while impaired on drugs – then attempted to remove drugs from his car while police were on the scene.

Frank A. Ferrara, 31, is facing charges including assault by auto in the 3:49 p.m. crash Sunday afternoon that injured three people when Ferrara’s 1997 Acura failed to stop for traffic ahead near the intersection of Route 88 and Jack Martin Boulevard and crashed into another vehicle.

Ferrara, whose license had already been suspended, collided into a 2013 Chevy Cruz, driven by Briana Ferlisi of Toms River, which was stopped in the eastbound lane.  The impact from the rear caused major rear end damage to the Chevy Cruz, according to Al Della Fave of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s office.  All occupants were restrained, however, Kimberly Ferlisi, 15, of Brick, a rear seat passenger, sustained the most serious injury to her head and neck from the impact. She was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment.

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The other two passengers received minor injury and were taken to Ocean Medical Center in Brick.  The driver refused medical attention, Della Fave said.

From the force of the impact, the Chevy Cruz went forward, hitting a second vehicle, a 2014 Jeep Cherokee, driven by David Bertone of Brick and his passenger Thomas Barten, also of Brick.  Neither occupant sustained any injuries, and both refused medical attention at the scene, Della Fave said.  The vehicle sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

A third vehicle was struck as a result of the collision which was caused by the Jeep Cherokee being pushed into a 2000 Honda Civic, driven by Sandra Herrera-Perez of Brick, who was also stopped at the intersection.  All four occupants in that vehicle were uninjured and refused medical attention.  The vehicle received very minor damage to the back bumper and also was driven from the scene.

While Brick Police officers were at the scene investigating, they noticed Ferrara going in and out of his vehicle in an attempt to get rid of suspected drugs, Della Fave said.

Ferrara also showed signs of impairment, according to authorities, and several suspected narcotic wax folds were seen in plain view in and around the Acura. Two syringes were also located on the ground near Ferrara when police approached him, said Della Fave.

Ferrara was transported to Ocean Medical Center in Brick where a telephonic search warrant to obtain a blood sample for later testing was applied for and granted by Judge Liguori.

Ferrara was ultimately charged with tampering with physical evidence; possession of drugs; causing serious bodily injury while driving suspended; and assault by auto.  Bail was set at $50,000 cash. Ferrara was lodged in Ocean County Jail on Monday.