Drunk Driver on Ocean Drive Kills Teen and Flees

Drunk Driver on Ocean Drive Kills Teen and Flees

From the Press of Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY — Richard A. Branca Jr., 17, hit while riding his bicycle Friday died on July 18th at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's City Campus from the injuries he suffered, a nursing supervisor said.

At about 9:15 p.m. Friday, July 14th five friends were riding their bicycles single file on Ocean Drive in Egg Harbor Township (between Longport and Ocean City) when Stephen French, of Ocean City allegedly plowed into three of them. The two other cyclists were uninjured.

...(The motorist) was allegedly so drunk moments before the crash that witnesses saw him slumped over the wheel at a traffic light, (Chief Assistant Prosecuter) McClain said, adding that drivers beeped their horns to arouse him.

....French was drinking at a bar on Longport-Somers Point Boulevard in Egg Harbor Township and was on his way back home when he allegedly crashed into the bicyclists, said authorities, who found him at his home. He initially was charged with assault by auto, driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident.

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