Crime & Safety

Lincoln Tunnel Crash: Jeep Rams Garbage Truck From Behind, Cops Say

Police say the allegedly intoxicated driver of the Jeep may have consumed some wine in Manhattan earlier that evening.

Port Authority police arrested a Caldwell resident for allegedly ramming his Jeep into a garbage truck while driving near the Lincoln Tunnel on Wednesday morning.

According to a Port Authority spokesman, Todd J. Gross, 48, of Caldwell, was driving a 2014 Jeep across the westbound helix around 2 a.m., when he allegedly struck a trash truck from behind, damaging his vehicle’s front end.

The driver of the garbage truck refused medical attention, police stated.

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When a Port Authority police officer arrived on the scene to interview Gross, the officer noted that his eyes were “bloodshot,” “he was staggering” and there was a “distinct odor of alcohol.”

According to the officer, Gross alluded to consuming some wine earlier that evening in Manhattan.

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Gross allegedly failed field sobriety tests and chemical testing, authorities said.

Police arrested Gross and towed/impounded his Jeep. He was charged with DWI, DWI in a school zone and reckless driving.

The garbage truck was able to be driven from the scene, authorities stated.

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