BMW Crashes Into Essex County Target Store; Driver Charged With DUI

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Fairfield police charged a Montville man with DUI after he crashed his BMW into the Little Falls Road side of the Target store on Route 46, authorities say.

According to the Fairfield Police Department, around 3 p.m. on July 5, officers found John Catania, 27, unconscious behind the wheel of his BMW, which struck the side of the Target building.

The collision smashed a large hole in the building’s cinder block exterior wall and caused extensive damage to the car, police stated.

EMS workers administered a dose of Narcan to Catania which assisted with his recovery, then transported to him to Chilton Hospital in Pompton Plains in police custody for further evaluation, authorities said.

Fairfield police released the following statement following the crash:

“The police investigation revealed that Catania allegedly consumed a quantity of heroin while in or around the Dunkin’ Donuts located on Passaic Avenue in Fairfield. Catania then drove through the rear driveway of the Dunkin’ Donuts, which is also shared with the Goddard School. Surveillance video shows the BMW stopping for about five minutes in the parking lot of the nursery school just before the vehicle is seen accelerating across Little Falls Road, nearly striking two passing vehicles.”

Authorities charged Catalina with driving while under the influence in a school zone, as well as careless and reckless driving. He is scheduled for an initial appearance in the Fairfield Municipal Court on July 13.

Photos: Fairfield Police Department

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