DUI Charged After Manchester Woman Backs Into Neighbor's Home

MANCHESTER, NJ — Two people escaped serious injury after a Manchester Township woman's car crashed through a home in Whiting on Thursday evening, police said Friday.

Dawn Morace, 60, was charged with driving under the influence following the incident that happened shortly before 7 p.m., Lt. Vincent Manco said.

Morace was backing out of her garage on Columbine Avenue when she lost control of her 2014 Nissan Altima, with it continuing to speed up until the car crashed through the front door and front porch of the home across the street. It finally came to a stop in the living room/kitchen area of the house, Manco said.

Jean Minarik, 71, of Whiting, and Lisa Shiner, 52, of Yorba Linda, California, were in the kitchen of the home, which belongs to Minarik. Minarik wasn't hurt but Shiner suffered a minor injury, Manco said. She refused medical attention, he said.

Morace was uninjured in the crash but was arrested on a suspicion of driving while intoxicated, he said.

Assisting at the scene were members of Quality Medical Transport, members of the Whiting Volunteer Fire Department and the Manchester Township building inspector. Patrolman Kevin Rembach and Patrolman Michael O'Hara are investigating.

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