Asbury Park man accused of drunk driving after Parkway crash of school van with students

LITTLE EGG HARBOR - An Asbury Park man has been accused of driving a school van with children in it while under the influence of alcohol, resulting in a Garden State Parkway accident, authorities said.

Craig Zimmerman, 44, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated Thursday, New Jersey State Police said.

At 4:12 p.m., troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash on the Garden State Parkway southbound lanes, milepost 57.4 in Little Egg Harbor, police said. The school van, transporting children at the time, was traveling south when Zimmerman lost control, ran off the roadway and collided with the guardrail, police said.

Further investigation revealed that Zimmerman was driving under the influence of alcohol, with open containers in the vehicle, according to State Police.

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While police did not say what school program the van was affiliated with, Jillian Eble, a family member of one of the children on board, said the bus was affiliated with GenPsych in Brick Township.

GenPsych, a mental health clinic, did not respond to requests for comment.

New Jersey State Police said the incident is still under investigation. No injuries were reported.

Jenna Calderón covers breaking news and cold cases in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Before coming to the Press, she covered The Queen City for Cincinnati Magazine in Ohio. Contact her at 330-590-3903; jcalderon@gannettnj.com

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Drunk driving charge for Asbury Park man in school van Parkway crash