Teen Driver Hits Pole, Faces DUI Charge

ERMA – Lower Township Police Department was notified of a motor vehicle crash which had just occurred at the intersection of Breakwater Road and U.S. Highway 9 at approximately 8:10 p.m. Nov. 23. 
According to a release, a multi-agency response was activated with assistance from Erma Fire Department, AtlantiCare medics, as well as Lower Township Rescue Squad. It was reported that one vehicle had struck a light pole and the occupant was out of the vehicle.
Upon arrival to the crash scene, Lower Township police found a single vehicle had been involved in the crash. A black, 2015 Chrysler 200 was off the roadway with a fence and light pole on top of the vehicle.
The driver, later identified as a 17-year-old juvenile male and resident of Cold Spring, was able to free himself from the vehicle prior to police arrival. He was then evaluated by rescue personnel and ultimately flown to Cooper Hospital in Camden for medical evaluation.
Crash investigation revealed the vehicle was traveling East on Breakwater Road when it crossed U.S. Highway 9 and ran off the road, first striking a utility pole, followed by a wooden chain link fence and coming to a final rest under the fence with the utility pole still on top of the vehicle.
Police investigation, as well as the driver’s statements, led to a charge of driving under the influence (DUI). A search warrant to obtain a blood sample of the driver was authorized by Judge Donna Taylor. Additional traffic summonses issued to the driver included reckless driving, failure to maintain lane and disregard of a traffic control device.
The vehicle was towed from the scene after being deemed safe to do so by fire personnel.
Atlantic City Electric responded to the scene and made repairs to the utility pole.
This DUI and crash are under investigation by Officers Stephen Flitcroft and Eric Coombs with the assistance of Officer Kenneth Walker and Sgt. Kevin Lewis.