Holmdel crash injures four,One lane of Route 35 north has been reopened

One lane of Route 35 north has been reopened after being closed for five hours due to a one-car crash early Saturday morning that injured four, police said.

At 2:43 a.m. Saturday, police responded to Route 35 north between Laurel and Union avenues for the report of a crash, Lt. Michael Pigott said. When police arrived they found a 2004 Pontiac in the middle of the highway.

After further investigation, police discovered that Kenneth Mecenas, 25, Elmwood Park, IL., was driving north on Route 35 when the car left the road and struck a utility pole, according to Pigott.

Garret Harper, 25, Chicago, IL., was a passenger in the car and was ejected into the left lane of Route 35, Pigott said.

Diana Coutu, 24, Shorewood, IL., and Frank Bardell, 22, Red Bank, were sitting in the back seat.

Harper was treated at the scene and taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, Pigott said. Mecenas and Coutu were also treated at the scene and taken to Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel.

Bardell had to be extricated from the car by Holmdel Fire Company No. 2 and was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.

All four involved in the crash remain at the hospital for treatment, Pigott said.

Mecenas was charged with driving under the influence and was issued several motor vehicle summons, Pigott said. He was released on his own recognizance pending a court appearance.

Jersey Central Power & Light and Verizon remain on scene to repair the pole and attach utilities.

Holmdel First Aid, Hazlet First Aid, MONOC, and Holmdel Fire Company No.2 responded to the scene. Police also received assistance from the Hazlet Police Department, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Monmouth County Serious Collison Analysis Response Team.