On Sunday June 17, 2018, at 9:15PM, South Brunswick Police responded to Route 535 South at the intersection of Route 32 for a motor vehicle crash. As responding Officers began to get closer to the area of the crash they could see a large cloud of smoke at the intersection and traffic flow coming to a stop. When Officer Bafti Salihi and Officer George Morgan arrived they found an unoccupied 2016 black Audi A3 fully engulfed in flames on Route 535 South and a tractor trailer with rear end damage driven by Alexander Lyubomsky, 40 years old of Newmarket, Ontario. Officers then located the driver of the Audi, Catherine Bohar 59 years old of Monroe Township, who had a wrist injury and was accompanied by Donald Carson, an off duty New Jersey State Corrections Officer. Officers were able to determine as Ms. Bohar was slowing her vehicle at the intersection of Route 535 South and Route 32, when she struck the rear of Mr. Lyubomsky’s tractor trailer. Ms. Bohar’s airbag deployed as a result of the crash and she became unconscious. At this time, Mr. Carson was driving past the crash on Route 535 North and observed Ms. Bohar slumped over at the wheel and her vehicle began to catch on fire. Mr. Carson then exited his vehicle and was able to unbuckle Ms. Bohar’s seatbelt. He then pulled Ms. Carson out of her vehicle to safety as her vehicle became engulfed in flames.
Ms. Bohar was transported to a local hospital and was treated for her injuries. The roadway was closed for 2 hours as the Monmouth Junction Fire Department put out the fire.
Chief Raymond Hayducka credited Mr. Carson’s bravery in this near deadly car crash. “Donald Carson’s quick actions prevented a tragedy last night. His selfless actions were able to help save the life of Catherine Bohar.”
