Driver strikes light pole in parking lot, arrested on suspicion of DUI in Independence Twp.

INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (Warren County) – A Hackettstown man who police suspect was driving drunk struck a light pole in a parking lot in Independence Township last month.

On August 28, officers responded to the Crossroads Plaza, located on County Route 517 ,for a single car motor vehicle accident. The vehicle struck a light pole and became disabled, police said.

The driver, who was identified as Nelson Israel Garcia-Lopez, 19, showed signs of impairment as officers spoke with him, police said.

A series of filed sobriety tests were administered which led to Lopez being arrested for suspicion of DUI, police said.

Lopez was charged and then released to a responsible person pending a court appearance.