A man police believe was under the influence of alcohol at the time of a serious car crash has been arrested. New Jersey authorities have charged the man with drunk driving as well as vehicular assault. He has been released on $3,000 secured bail, and so far, no court date has been announced.
According to state police, the 57-year-old man was involved in a car accident with two other cars early in the morning of May 12. At approximately 12:09 a.m. on Del. 896 an out-of-state man reportedly crossed the center line in his pickup truck. His vehicle struck an SUV headed the other direction, driven by a 21-year-old man. The force of the impact spun his vehicle into a third car driven by a 19-year-old woman. Both vehicles subsequently crashed.
The driver of the SUV was rushed to a local hospital with serious injuries, while the passenger and the driver of the other car were only injured slightly. The driver of the pickup truck, who is believed to have been drunk at the time of the collision, was not injured at all. He was taken into custody by authorities, who subsequently charged him.
It will be up to New Jersey prosecutors to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the man was indeed engaged in drunk driving at the time of the accident. They may need to present Breathalyzer or blood screening evidence to corroborate these claims. The man’s criminal defense representation will carefully scrutinize any such proffered evidence and will address any factual or legal issues before the court.