Crime & Safety
Drunk Mahwah Man Crashes Into Utility Pole, Causes Power Loss: PD
James Lee, 40, caused a lot of people to lose power Wednesday morning, according to police.
MAHWAH, NJ — A township man crashed into a utility pole and caused several nearby homes to lose power, police said.
Police received several 911 calls just after 10:15 p.m. about a motor vehicle crash and downed power lines on Route 202 near an entrance to the Ramapo College sculpture studio, said Chief James Batelli.
Police found a 2017 Ford F-150 pickup truck that crashed into a utility pole and downed wires and transformers in the road, Batelli said.
Find out what's happening in Mahwahfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Police spoke to the driver, James Lee, 40, who said the icy road caused the crash, but detectives smelled alcohol on his breath, the chief said.
Police had Lee conduct field sobriety tests and arrested him for driving while intoxicated, Batelli said.
Find out what's happening in Mahwahfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Orange & Rockland crews went to the scene and repaired the power lines. Power was restored to nearby homes by early morning.
Lee was released and given a court appearance date of Feb. 28, Batelli said.
Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com
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