Drunk Driver Takes Out Utility Pole: Chatham Police

CHATHAM, NJ - A 52-year-old Bernardsville man was charged with driving while intoxicated after a motor vehicle crash that downed utility lines on Jan. 25, according to the Chatham Township Police Department.

According to authorities, Patrolman Chris Schulz saw a pickup truck had just collided with a utility pole near 20 Meyersville Road, the accident damaging the utility lines and causing a power outage near Fairmount Avenue and Candace Lane.

An investigation at the scene determined that Norman B. Fischer had lost control of his vehicle while travelling westbound on Meyersville Road and struck the utility pole, police said.

Fischer was not injured in the accident and further investigation and roadside sobriety testing revealed that Fischer was under the influence of alcohol, police said.

Fischer was subsequently placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated and transported to police headquarters for processing, police said.

After processing he was released to a family member pending court action.

Fischer was charged with reckless driving, failure to maintain a lane and driving while intoxicated, police said.

(Photo courtesy of the Chatham Police Department)

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