Police Say Hazlet Driver Was Intoxicated When His Van Hit A House

A Hazlet driver was intoxicated when his vehicle left the road, went through a fence and hit a house, causing substantial damage, police said.

Robert C. Mergel, 22, of Second Street, Hazlet, was arrested on March 22 by Aberdeen Officer Craig Hausmann. Mergel was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended, and reckless driving.

Mergel was driving a 1998 Dodge van north on Amboy Avenue, near Prospect Avenue, in Aberdeen when the vehicle left the roadway, went through a fence, and struck a house, according to a news release from Police Chief John T. Powers.

He said no one was injured, but home, which was occupied at the time of the crash, sustained significant structural damage.

Cliffwood Volunteer Fire Company, Aberdeen Township Hose and Chemical, and the township building official also responded.