Off-Duty Washington Twp. Cop Arrested For DUI, Resisting Arrest: Police

Long Valley, N.J. – A Washington Township police officer was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after crashing into multiple cars in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.

Hazleton Police, along with multiple other jurisdictions responded to the incident on Wednesday, June 16 and stopped a Nissan Armada SUV with “heavy front end damage,” hazletonheadlines.com reported.

The driver was identified as William McCarthy III who was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence, resisting arrest, accidents involving damage to attended vehicles (two of the vehicles hit were occupied), duty to give information and render aid, and reckless driving.

“The unfortunate off-duty incident involving William McCarthy is currently under investigation by the Washington Township Police Department, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Hazleton Township Police Department, and we are continuing to gather information concerning the incident,” said Washington Township Police Chief Jeff Almer. “He is currently suspended without pay from the police department pending the outcome of the investigation. We are thankful that no one was injured in the incident and appreciate the assistance we have received from Hazleton Township Police Department.”

Almer told Patch a criminal investigation must first conclude before the Washington Township Police Department conducts its own internal investigation, if needed.