Brooklyn man facing charges in crash that killed Atlantic Highlands resident

A Brooklyn man is facing DWI charges for driving on the wrong side of Route 36, west of Linden Avenue in Middletown Saturday June 16 around 12:46 am and colliding with a car in a crash that claimed the life of the other driver, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office.

Michael Gustafson, 66, of Avenue D in Atlantic Highlands, died in the Emergency Department of Riverview Medical Center, in Red Bank, following the crash at 1:44 am.

He was the only occupant of his 2007 Honda Fit travelling eastbound on Route 36.

When he got to the Linden Avenue intersection on Route 36, he collided with a 2015 Jeep Cherokee operated by Anthony F. Sarlo, 62, of 74th Street in Brooklyn, New York.

Sarlo was the only occupant of that vehicle and was heading westbound in the eastbound lanes of the road.

He was brought to Riverview Medical Center for evaluation and was released but was issued motor vehicle summonses for Driving While Intoxicated, Open Alcoholic Beverage in a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Misuse of a Divided Highway (Wrong Way).

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to call Sergeant Cliff O'Hara, of the Middletown Township Police Department at 732-615-2100 or Agent Reginald Grant of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office at 800-533-7443.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400; can text "MONMOUTH" plus their tip to 274637; or, they can email a tip via the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.

Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000.00 for information leading to the arrest of criminals and fugitives.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

More From The Jersey Shore: