Morristown Man Smashes Car Into Scotch Plains Shop, Gets DUI: PD

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — A Morristown man smashed a vehicle head-on Saturday into A Little Shop of Comics in Scotch Plains, according to police. Adrian L. Elias was charged with driving under the influence and assault by auto.

The crash occurred at 1:45 a.m Saturday. In the video at about 20 seconds in, you can see a silver 2011 Mazda CX7 barreling down Front Street before crashing head-on into the comic shop at 387 Park Ave., while taking out a traffic pole along the way. The SUV does not appear to stop or hit the brakes. (Watch the video below.)

Two people can then be seen getting out of the SUV and just walking away before police arrive. Police found the SUV crashed into and was partially inside the front of a building, said Scotch Plains Police Captain Jeffrey Briel.

The crash resulted in the temporary closure of A Little Shop of Comics.

"A car smashed into the front of the building causing structural damage," said owners Steven and Lena Olsen. "We will keep you informed as the situation evolves."

Scotch Plains, Union and Elizabeth Fire Departments also helped to secure the scene as the building sustained structural damage.

Elias was taken to Overlook Hospital for neck pain. There were three other passengers in the SUV. Two passengers were uninjured, and one who had a cut to the forehead but refused medical attention, Briel said.

The utilities to the building were disconnected and four apartments in the building were evacuated.

"Thank you to Scotch Plains fire and police department's for all of their hard work. And to the other departments from the surrounding areas that came to assist," said Steven and Lena Olsen.

With reporting from Alexis Tarrazi/Patch

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