Erma man killed in Route 9 crash
Pa. driver had multiple drunk driving arrests
Sep, 14-2009 11:45 am
ERMA—Frederick Shelton of Erma was killed in a two-car crash on Route 9 on Saturday, Sept. 12 after his car was struck by an alleged drunk driver with multiple DWI arrests.
According to police Shelton, 50, had been driving south on Route 9 with his wife and 13-year-old daughter in the vehicle when, at about 8:30 p.m., a red Chrysler Sebring convertible travelling north crossed over the center line, entering the southbound lane and struck Shelton’s vehicle almost head on. The Sebring, being driven by John J. Lawless, 37, of Philadelphia, had failed to negotiate a curve in the road just before the intersection at Bennet’s Crossing and first forced the vehicle in front of Shelton off the road before striking Shelton’s vehicle.
Lawless’ Sebring struck the front driver’s side of Shelton’s car causing it to spin partially into the Bennet’s Crossing intersection before coming to a stop facing east in the southbound lane of travel. Lawless’ vehicle continued past the intersection and came to a rest in the middle of the road.
After receiving multiple 911 calls, Lower Township Police arrived on the scene along with the Lower Township Rescue Squad and paramedics, the Erma and Villas fire departments and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit.
Despite rescue efforts, Shelton was pronounced dead on the scene at 8:44 p.m. Shelton’s wife, Sherri, 44, was taken to the Atlantic City Regional Trauma Center where she was listed in critical condition following emergency surgery. Shelton’s daughter, was in the back seat of the vehicle at the time of the accident, was transported to Cape Regional Medical Center before being airlifted to Cooper Hospital in Camden.
According to police, Lawless had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath just after the accident. He also was taken to the Atlantic City Regional Trauma Center for injuries. There, blood was also drawn as part of the accident investigation.
Shelton’s teenage daughter and son were immediately notified of the crash.
A computer check into Lawless’ driving records showed that his Pennsylvania driver’s license had been suspended since 2001 and that Lawless had multiple arrests for driving while intoxicated.
Police Chief Edward Donohue, who responded to the scene, said, “The bottom line here is this man should not have been operating a motor vehicle on any highway, in any state based on his suspended driving privileges and record of previous DWI arrests.”
Donohue said that Lawless’ driving history was taken into consideration when asking the judge to set the substantial bail of $100,000 for Lawless’ criminal charges.
He was charged with death by auto and two counts of assault with a motor vehicle, both criminal charges, and various motor vehicle violations including driving while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, reckless driving and failure to maintain a single lane.
As of Sunday, Sept. 13, Lawless was under guard by Lower Township Police Officers at the Atlantic City Regional Trauma Center. Upon his release he will be taken directly to the county jail.
Investigation into the accident will continue.
