Jersey Shore Headlines

Here are the latest news updates for Monmouth and Ocean Counties:

A Howell woman died in an early morning Easter crash on the Rt. 35 bridge over Shark River in Belmar. 26-year old Tiffany Soto was a passenger in her boyfriend's vehicle when it collided with another car shortly before 3 am. The victim was ejected and landed in the river at the Belmar Marina. Martinez suffered a head injury. Police are investigating whether he was driving under the influence of any substances. Two people in the other vehicle were uninjured.

A Manalapan man is dead after a 5-car crash in Old Bridge. 53-year old Boris Khaskes was pronounced dead at the scene on Rt. 9 Friday evening. Another person was injured.

Lakewood police are investigating the township's third stabbing in two days. Saturday night's incident happened shortly before 11 pm near Ocean Avenue and Clover St. One person was knifed and another injured. And another Lakdwood man is facing charges after allegedly attacking a man with a utility knife. Police say Jose Guadalupe approached the victim near the bus terminal on Friday and demanded money, then slashed him across the arm.

A Long Branch man is charged with drunk driving after allegedly hitting a Monmouth University security vehicle head-on Saturday night, knocking an officer unconscious. Francis Debout used the officer's radio to call for help after the crash on Larchwood Avenue.

Jackson police say a cell phone is to blame for an accident on Cassville Road Saturday. Investigators say 22-year old Trevor Bullock was talking on the phone when he lost control of his car and crashed into a tree. The vehicle flipped several times. Bullock was not seriously injured.

Firefighters responded early Saturday after flames broke out at a home on Whitesville Road in Jackson. Crews believe the fire started in the attic or on the second floor. The cause has not yet been determined. Four residents were displaced.

Think child sex trafficking can't happen here? Think again. Holly Smith of Ocean County was lured from a local mall near her home in Little Egg Harbor at age 14 into a life of prostitution. Holly is now an adult who advocates for survivors and is the author of the book "Walking Prey" which talks about her experiences. More importantly, she's hopiing to help parents prevent their kids from becoming victims of sex trafficiking and prostitution. Holly will be speaking at the Toms River branch of the Ocean County library on May 6th.

Jersey shore runners participating in today's Boston Marathon have mixed emotions one year after the deadly finishline bombings. A little bit of nervousness and excitement are the emotions Tinton Falls resident Christy Defilippis is experiencing upon returning to the 26.2 mile course a year after finishing one hour ahead of the explosions. Christy and her husband were one block over when the bombs went off. He'll be cheering her on again with their two kids.

A Brick man paralyzed from the waist down is competing in the Boston Marathon wheelchair race today. 53-year old Sam Spencer will cover the 26.2 mile course in a hand-crank cycle. He's hoping to break last year's time.

A Toms River native who was awarded one of the Navy's highest honors shares his heroic story. Petty Officer 3rd Class Travis Kirckof rescued 2 shipmates when their ship ran aground in the Pacific Ocean. The 25-year old Toms River East graduate says it's almost a continuation of his work as an Ortley Beach lifeguard. Kirckof was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal earlier this month.