Repeat DWI Driver Charged After Crashing Into Home In Somerset County: Police

BRANCHBURG, NJ — A repeat DWI driver from Somerville has been charged after crashing into a home in Branchburg on Monday, said Branchburg Police Chief Richard Buck.

On Monday at around 9:29 a.m., Branchburg Police were called to a home on Hillcrest Drive for the report of a vehicle that had crashed into a building.

Police saw a white pick-up truck fully inside the first floor of a home and the driver, later identified as 50-year-old Eric Wilson, in the vehicle, who was able to self-extricate, said Buck.

Wilson had a cut on his head and was assessed by the Branchburg Rescue Squad. Wilson ultimately refused further medical attention at that time.

Police found one person inside the home on the second floor and safely escorted them out. The resident was not injured.

While speaking with Wilson, police saw indicators that he may be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Police tried to conduct Standardized Field Sobriety Tests on Wilson, but he refused to cooperate, said Buck.

Wilson was arrested for driving under the influence and taken to Branchburg Police Headquarters for processing.

"Wilson refused to provide a breath sample to determine his blood alcohol content. A check of Wilson's driving history revealed that his license was suspended for previous DWI convictions," said Buck.

The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office authorized Wilson to be charged with fourth-degree operating a motor vehicle during a period of license suspension.

Branchburg Police also applied for and were granted a Somerset County Superior Court-ordered search Warrant for Wilson's blood and urine to determine alcohol/drug content.

Wilson was charged with driving under the influence and fourth-degree operating a motor vehicle during a period of license suspension, along with driving while intoxicated, unlicensed driver, failure to install an interlock device, driving while suspended, failure to maintain lane, refusal to submit to a chemical test, reckless driving, and unsafe tires.

Wilson was lodged in the Somerset County Jail after being medically cleared.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.