The Burlington County Times: Police: Driver in accident was texting about drug deal
By: DAVID LEVINSKY
Burlington County Times
A bicyclist was struck by a car on Route 70 in Medford Monday evening and police say the collision occurred while the driver was texting about a drug deal.
Robert J. Sharrer, 28, of New Jersey Avenue in Pemberton Township, was charged with drug possession with the intent to distribute after an undisclosed amount of unauthorized prescription drugs were found in his vehicle, police said.
Charges in connection with the collision are still pending, police said.
Investigators said Sharrer was behind the wheel of a 1994 Olds Cutlass that was seen driving erratically on Route 70 west shortly before the 6:23 p.m. when his vehicle drifted into the shoulder and struck bicyclist Lisa Granert, 42, of Elbo Lane in Cherry Hill.
Granert suffered unspecified injuries in the accident and was air-lifted to Cooper University Hospital in Camden for treatment. Her condition was unavailable Tuesday evening.
Police said Granert frequently rides her bicycle on Route 70 and was wearing a reflective vest at the time of the accident.
Following the accident, Sharrer told investigating officers he was “texting” while driving and did not recall the collision, police said. Further investigation revealed Sharrer’s text message concerned the sale of prescription drugs, police said.
Sharrer submitted blood samples for testing at Virtua Memorial hospital in Mount Holly and was then released after posting undisclosed bail, police said.
An investigating into the accident remains ongoing.
