Full Notification

The Absecon Police Department responded to a three car motor vehicle accident which occurred around 8:30 PM Sunday August 16th in front of the Absecon Home Depot on the Absecon Blvd. A Dodge Caravan was being operated by Corey Thacker, age 27 of Little Egg Harbor Township when he apparently ran through the red traffic light in front of the Absecon Home Depot while heading east. He struck a Nissan Altima being operated by Laurel Ritchie, age 30 of Hamilton Township as she was attempting to make a left hand turn onto Absecon Blvd to head west. The impact of the collision forced the Dodge Caravan into the westbound lanes where it struck a Ford Explorer head-on which was stopped for the red traffic signal on Absecon Blvd. The Explorer was being operated by Keith Zeck, age 45 of Galloway Twp. The Caravan then burst into flames. There were five reported injuries.

Absecon Blvd was closed in both directions for approximately an hour and a half due to the accident. The Atlantic City Police Department, Absecon Fire Department, Absecon EMS and New Jersey State Police assisted at the accident scene. Thacker was charged with DWI, Refusing to take the breath test, Reckless Driving and Disregard of a Traffic Signal. Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to contact the Absecon Police Department at 609-641-0667 ext. 851.

The accident is being investigated by Ptl. Jeff Mazer and Ptl. Dan Markman.

Press release prepared by Sgt. Robert Ponzetti.