NJ man who struck, injured police officer was under the influence of narcotics, authorities say

Authorities in Monmouth County say charges have been filed against a 21-year-old Oceanport man who struck and seriously injured a police officer as he was directing traffic for a high school football game in November.

According to Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni, an investigation revealed that Michael C. Reyes was under the influence of heroin and marijuana at the time of the incident.

The accident occurred on Nov. 6, 2015 when West Long Branch Police Sgt. Brian Kramer was directing traffic on Parker Road after a football game at Shore Regional High School.

"Sgt. Kramer was struck by a vehicle being operated by Reyes and traveling eastbound on Parker Road. Sgt. Kramer sustained extensive injuries to his head, face, left shoulder and left knee as a result of the collision and was taken to the Trauma Center at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune Township," the acting prosecutor said.

Kramer spent several days in the hospital before being transferred to a rehabilitation facility. Authorities say he is still on medical leave from the West Long Branch Police Department and continued to undergo physical therapy.

Reyes has been charged with second degree assault by auto in a school zone, as well as several motor vehicle violations including driving while under the influence of narcotics, reckless driving, and failure to comply with the direction of an officer.

"Reyes turned himself into police custody on Tuesday and was processed and released after posting $25,000 bail, as set by Judge Joseph W. Oxley," the acting prosecutor said in a press release. "If convicted of assault by auto in a school zone, Reyes faces a sentence of five to ten years in a New Jersey state prison."

Toniann Antonelli is the digital managing editor for news at NJ 101.5. Reach her at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.