Driver Strikes Utility Pole After Allegedly Hitting Pothole

A 23-year-old West Milford driver struck a utility pole near Arch Street on Main Street in Butler Monday morning after allegedly hitting a pothole.

Capt. Ciro Chimento said the accident was reported at 12:28 a.m. and the driver, Robert Biss, said he lost control of his vehicle after hitting the pothole.

Chimento said that while Biss suffered a minor chest injury, he refused medical treatment and was not transported to the hospital.

Chimento also said the accident only involved Biss' vehicle and there were no other injuries reported. The road was closed for about 45 minutes while police cleaned up after the accident and Chimento said the also responded to clean up a small hazardous materials spill that resulted from the accident.

Biss was issued a summons for careless driving.