The following is based on information received from a law enforcement agency. The person(s) named is innocent until proven otherwise in court.
COLD SPRING -Lower Township police responded to the report of an overturned vehicle on Seashore Road just north of Stimpson’s Lane in Cold Spring Sept. 7, at about 2:58 a.m.
According to a release, upon arrival officers observed a Toyota RAV4 sport-utility vehicle in the trees adjacent to the Cape Island Masonic Lodge.
The driver was identified as a Derek J. Ludlam, 23, of Villas.
The investigation revealed there were no other occupants in the vehicle.
Ludlam sustained multiple lacerations to his face, arms, and legs. Cape May City Rescue responded to the scene where Ludlam was treated for his injuries. He refused transport to Cape Regional Medical Center for further treatment.
Crash scene investigation revealed Ludlam was northbound on Seashore Road when he ran off the roadway to the right and struck a utility pole. After striking the pole the vehicle turned onto its side and slid until it came to rest in the trees.
The utility pole was severed at the bottom. Atlantic City Electric responded and advised that the pole belonged to Verizon and that the scene was safe.
Officers suspected Ludlam of driving under the influence and subsequently administered standardized field sobriety tests.
He was determined to be operating under the influence and was arrested and transported to Lower Township Police headquarters for further processing.
He was issued summonses for driving while intoxicated and careless driving.
The vehicle was towed and impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Ludlam was released to family, who signed a liability waiver prior to his release.
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