LACEY – A Philadelphia man accused of causing a head-on crash on Route 539 is facing additional weapons charges after investigators reportedly found two loaded handguns and illegal ammunition inside his vehicle.
Jared Beswick, 27, was charged September 16 with two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, three counts of possession of a high-capacity ammunition magazine and possession of hollow-point ammunition, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.
Beswick had previously been charged with two counts of assault by auto in connection with the September 13 crash.
Lacey Township police responded at approximately 8:45 p.m. to Route 539 near milepost 16.5 following a report of a collision involving serious injuries.
Authorities said Beswick was driving a Ford Explorer erratically northbound when the vehicle crossed into the southbound lane and struck a Toyota RAV4 head-on.
The Toyota driver and a passenger in the Ford were taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. Both were listed in serious but stable condition.
Investigators said Beswick showed signs of impairment at the scene. Officers also allegedly observed several open alcohol containers and pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes inside his vehicle.
Beswick was taken to Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, where authorities obtained a blood sample under a court-approved warrant. He was initially charged with two counts of assault by auto and served with the charges at the hospital.
Detectives searched the Ford Explorer on September 16 under a separate warrant and allegedly recovered two loaded handguns, three high-capacity magazines and hollow-point ammunition.
Beswick was served with the additional charges at the hospital. Authorities said he will be taken to the Ocean County Jail upon his release and held pending a detention hearing.
The crash remains under investigation, and prosecutors said more charges could be filed.
The investigation involves the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Lacey Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
The charges are accusations. Beswick is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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