Man faces DWI, drug charges after nearly hitting patrol car, crashing in Morris County
MENDHAM TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — A 65-year-old Randolph man faces DWI and drug distribution charges after nearly striking a police vehicle and crashing into another car Wednesday afternoon in Mendham Township, authorities said.
According to Mendham Township police, an officer observed a vehicle traveling southbound on Cold Hill Road at about 3 p.m. on Feb. 25 that nearly struck several other vehicles, including a marked patrol car.
Police said the officer attempted to initiate a motor vehicle stop, but the driver failed to pull over and continued driving while emergency lights and sirens were activated. The vehicle nearly caused additional collisions before striking another vehicle on Tempe Wick Road and coming to a stop.
The driver was identified as Brian Costello, 65, of Randolph Township.
Police said the officer, who is trained as a Drug Recognition Expert, determined Costello was under the influence of drugs. Liquid methadone was observed inside the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly resulted in the seizure of about 1.5 ounces of cocaine, 40 alprazolam pills and 10 methadone hydrochloride pills.
Costello was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated in a school zone, refusal to submit to breath testing, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute within a school zone, and possession of methadone and alprazolam.
He was lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings.
