Intoxicated man carjacked tow truck and hit 2 vehicles in Washington Township, New Jersey, police say

WASHINGTON TWP., N.J. (WPVI) — A violent chain of events that began with a carjacking ended in a major crash and multiple injuries Monday afternoon along Delsea Drive in Washington Township, according to police and witnesses.

Police said the incident began about a mile from the crash site when a man allegedly carjacked a tow truck that had a vehicle on its flatbed near a Dollar General.

The truck was then driven erratically down Delsea Drive before crashing head-on into two cars and a utility pole in front of Elmer’s Auto Body. The crash happened around 1:50 p.m. Monday, police said.

“It didn’t even sound like a car crash. It sounded like a bomb went off,” said Dante Tumolo of Pep Pizza across the street.

Dennis Deitrich of Elmer’s Auto Body said he saw the impact from inside the business.

“I was sitting at my desk and I saw the car go flying 60 feet through this pole,” Deitrich said.

Police said the tow truck struck the two vehicles and the utility pole, resulting in serious injuries. After the collision, the driver of the tow truck got out and tried to flee on foot.

A witness later alerted Deitrich as the suspect ran away.

“A woman in a blue Volkswagen Beetle stops and goes, ‘He’s getting away!’ And I turn, and he’s halfway down between here and Heritage’s down the corner,” he said.

Deitrich and a colleague followed the suspect down the street. Christine Conatser, who runs Paws in Motion Pet Grooming at the end of the block, said she intercepted the man.

“Blood dripping from his hands, blood from his head, his eye was lacerated right here, and he was trying to get away,” Conatser said.

Police responded and took the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Dylan Davis, into custody. The two other drivers involved in the crash were taken to local hospitals for treatment.

The crash also knocked out power and internet service to nearby businesses. Conatser said the incident was especially unsettling.

“That could’ve been me leaving work. It could’ve been anybody,” she said.

Police said Davis was taken to Cooper for a blood draw. He is charged with carjacking, DUI, car theft and two counts of assault by auto. Additional charges may be added as the investigation continues.