Crime & Safety

Police: Man Charged with DWI After Striking Pole

Crash happened early Thursday morning near Ocean County Mall, police said

A Stafford Man faces multiple charges after police said that he was driving while intoxicated when he struck a Hooper Avenue curb and traffic light early Thursday morning.

Officers James Robertazzi and Nate Williams were responding to a crash on Hooper and saw a disabled 2011 Honda at Chestnut Street shortly after midnight. Spotted fleeing on foot from the car were two men, said Toms River Chief of Police Michael Mastronardy.

After a 10 minute search, Officer Anthony Scali found the men near Bay and Hooper Avenues, the chief said.

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An investigation by Williams found John Haig, 22, of Hudson Street in Stafford Township "turned out of a restaurant just north of the [Ocean County] Mall traveling southbound in the northbound lane then struck a curb causing the vehicle to launch and strike a traffic light stanchion," Mastronardy said.

Along with DWI, Haig was charged with leaving the scene of an accident and reckless driving, according to Mastronardy. No injuries were reported in the crash.

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