Man hits 5 vehicles

Chief: Caused accidents in Winslow, on White Horse Pike

Mark Gravely, 59, of Hammonton, struck five vehicles in three separate accidents he allegedly caused in Winslow Twp. and on the White Horse Pike (Route 30) in Hammonton, Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said. (Courtesy Photo)

HAMMONTON—Mark Gravely, 59, of Hammonton, struck five vehicles in three separate accidents he allegedly caused in Winslow Twp. and on the White Horse Pike (Route 30) in Hammonton, Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said. Gravely was arrested by Hammonton Police at 2:38 p.m. on August 12, Friel said.

“He was called in to police as an erratic driver at the intersection of N. White Horse Pike and Old Forks Road. Police were advised of an erratic driver traveling eastbound on Route 30 heading toward the town of Hammonton. The caller remained on the phone and advised the driver of the vehicle had already caused an accident in Winslow Twp. The caller continued to follow behind the driver,” Friel said.

Officer Dalton Scola observed the vehicle traveling eastbound on the White Horse Pike in the area of Route 206, Friel said. Scola attempted to initiate a traffic stop with both siren and emergency lights activated, according to Friel.

Friel said the driver, Gravely, failed to stop at which time Sgt. Thomas Percodani responded in the area and observed the accused vehicle drive through the red traffic signal at the White Horse Pike and Shopping Center Drive and strike a vehicle, then travel into oncoming traffic and continue eastbound on the White Horse Pike.

Gravely then caused a four-car collision at the intersection of the White Horse Pike and Broadway, Friel said.

“In total, there were six vehicles, including Gravely’s, that were involved in accidents: The one in Winslow, the one on Route 30 at the intersection of Shopping Center Drive and three more along with Gravely’s at the intersection of Route 30 and Broadway,” Friel said.

Gravely was transported to AtlantiCare Atlantic City Division, and blood was drawn for testing as it appeared he was driving while impaired, Friel said.

He was charged with second-degree eluding and assault by auto, Friel said, adding that Gravely will also be charged with driving while under the influence and motor vehicle charges.

On August 14, Gravely was taken into custody, advised of his criminal charges and was transported to the Atlantic County Jail on the warrant, Friel said.