Everyone Walks Away From 3-Car Crash in Howell

Three adults and a 9-year-old child suffered only minor injuries in a three-car collision that left one vehicle off the road and upside down, police said. 

The collision occurred around 6:23 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Newtons Corner Road and Easy Street, Sgt. Eileen Dodd said.

Ernst Valsamis, 51, of Toms River was driving his 2012 Nissan Leaf westbound on Easy Street when he failed to stop at the intersection, colliding with a 2007 Chevy Avalon driven by Joseph Almanza, 53, of Howell. The impact pushed Almanza’s car off the road, where it rolled over, Dodd said.

Valsamis’ car continued on and crashed into a third car, Dodd said.

Antoinette Clark, 76, of Howell was stopped at the opposite side of the intersection, facing eastbound on Easy Street when Valsamis’ car crashed into Clark’s 2012 Nissan Sentra. There was a 9-year-old boy in the card with her, Dodd said.

Clark had a minor injury, but refused medical treatment. Despite heavy damage to each of the vehicles, no one else was hurt, Dodd said.

Valsamis was ticketed for careless driving and failure to stop at a stop sign, Dodd said.