The driver who caused a five-vehicle accident in Lakewood yesterday was drunk when he blew through a red light, police said today.

As earlier reported on TLS, at approximately 5 PM, police were dispatched to an accident that occurred at the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Route 70.

The investigation revealed that Richard Donato, 44, was driving a 2013 Honda Civic, and as he went through the intersection he struck the front passenger’s side of a 2002 Honda Accord that was traveling south on New Hampshire Avenue. Mr. Donato’s vehicle continued through the intersection and struck three additional vehicles that were traveling northbound on New Hampshire Avenue.

A total of three individuals were injured as a result of the crash. One of the injured parties was treated at an area hospital for a complaint of pain and released. Another driver involved in the crash was transported to the hospital for injuries that were considered critical.

As a result of the investigation Donato, of Hazlet, was charged with DWI, Careless Driving, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Observe a traffic signal along with 2C:12.1c Assault By Auto on a summons.

The investigation was conducted by Officers Guzman, Ragauckus, and Spagnuolo. They were assisted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, The Ocean county Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit, NJSP and NJDOT.