Drunken driver radios for help after colliding with Monmouth University security vehicle

WEST LONG BRANCH – According to police reports, 32-year-old Francis S. Debout, of Long Branch, collided with a Monmouth University security vehicle when he was driving drunk late Saturday night. The collision knocked the security officer in the vehicle unconscious.

West Long Branch Police Chief Lawrence Mihlon said that after the collision, Debout apparently used the unconscious officer’s radio to call for help.

Mihlon reported that the collision occurred at about 11:41 p.m. Saturday. Debout was driving a 2012 red Dodge Charger southbound on Larchwood Avenue and crossed over the northbound lane. After travelling for about 62 feet, he collided with the security vehicle head-on.

Monmouth University Security Officer Michael Cittadino was inside the security vehicle. He was parked on the east side of Larchwood Avenue near Palmer Avenue. As a result of the collision, the security vehicle was pushed approximately 16 feet before it came to rest against the university’s fence.

Officer Cittadino was knocked unconscious by the force of the impact. Emergency personnel at the scene were able to remove him from the vehicle and transport him to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. His vehicle was towed from the scene.

Debout’s Dodge Charger was impounded by the West Long Branch Police Department. He was arrested and charged with drunk driving.

The incident is being investigated by Patrolmen Nicholas Ferrugiaro, Jason Buono and Kevin Stroebel.

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