JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A Lake Hopatcong man was charged with driving while intoxicated after crashing his pickup truck into a tree along Berkshire Valley Road on Monday, February 17.
According to Jefferson Township Police Officer Liam Shernce, who responded at approximately 1:20 p.m. to the area of Berkshire Valley Road near Minisinink Road for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers observed a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck that had left the roadway and struck a tree, with the driver’s door pinned against the trunk.
Police identified the driver as Charles W. Gearhart, 59, of Lake Hopatcong. Officers reported observing signs of impairment, including slurred speech, stumbling, and the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the driver’s breath. 26-07177 Records_Redacted
Gearhart told officers he had consumed mixed drinks earlier in the day. Field sobriety tests were conducted at the scene, after which he was placed under arrest for suspected driving while intoxicated.
Police said Gearhart was transported to police headquarters, where a breath test was administered. The results indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 0.17 percent, more than twice the legal limit in New Jersey.
The vehicle was removed from the scene by a towing company, and Gearhart was later released to a responsible party pending court proceedings.
Gearhart was issued summonses for Driving While Intoxicated (39:4-50) and Reckless Driving (39:4-96).
Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
