Manchester man charged in crash that killed Freehold woman, authorities say
The crash occurred at approximately 11:05 p.m. on March 7 near the intersection of Lakewood Road and Whitty Road.
A Manchester man is behind bars after blood tests revealed he was over the legal limit and under the influence of prescription drugs during a head-on collision that killed a Freehold woman last month.
Daniel Cormier, 31, surrendered to authorities Monday, April 13. He is charged with vehicular homicide and strict liability vehicular homicide in connection with the March 7 crash that claimed the life of 37-year-old Shamirah Nolan.
The crash occurred around 11:05 p.m. near the intersection of Lakewood Road and Whitty Road.
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Cormier was driving a Volkswagen Jetta southbound when he struck a guardrail, lost control, and veered into the northbound lane. His vehicle then slammed head-on into a Honda Accord driven by Nolan. She was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
While Cormier was treated at the hospital, officers noticed signs of impairment and obtained a court-authorized blood draw. Lab results returned April 13 provided the evidence needed to file criminal charges.
Cormier’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.09%, above New Jersey’s legal limit of 0.08%. Tests also showed the presence of Gabapentin and Hydrocodone in his system.
Authorities said the combination of alcohol and prescription medication rendered Cormier “unfit to operate a motor vehicle.”
Cormier is being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
