SLH Man Crashes Car Into Playground

A Spring Lake Heights man was hospitalized Tuesday after police found him unconscious behind the wheel of his SUV that apparently had crashed into a borough playground that morning, authorities said. 

Spring Lake Heights Patrolman Kenneth Hager was making his rounds just before 9 a.m. when he discovered the scene of a 2003 GMC Yukon Gold pinned against playground equipment at the Ocean Road Community Center, according to a release from Patrolman Zachary Ramp. 

Robert M. Shelton, 49, of Spring Lake Heights, was found at 8:56 a.m. unconscious behind the wheel of the SUV with his foot still on the gas pedal, Ramp said. The vehicle's tires were spinning and smoking, and throwing debris into the air, he added. 

Hager, also an EMT, was able to turn off the vehicle and begin his assessment of Shelton, who regained consciousness at that time, Ramp said.  

"Shelton denied any medical conditions that could have explained the incident," Ramp said. 

Medics and Spring Lake EMS transported him to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was admitted at noon and blood samples were taken to be sent to the State Police Lab for analysis, Ramp said.      

It is unclear whether Shelton suffered any injuries. No other passengers were inside the vehicle, Ramp said. 

While the community center was occupied at the time, the playground was not, Ramp said. The playground equipment, however, was significantly damaged, Ramp said. 

No summonses have been issued at this time and the investigation is continuing, Ramp said.