Drunken Driver, 19, Slams Into Traffic Pole, Runs From Crash Scene: Hackettstown Police

A 19-year-old drunken driver slammed into a traffic pole in Hackettstown and ran from the crash scene before dawn Sunday, authorities said.

Area of 120 Grand Ave. in Hackettstown
Photo Credit: *Google Maps Street View (Inset: Hackettstown Police Department via Facebook)*

Valerie Musson

01/11/2022 12:58 p.m.

Bryan S. Morales-Mejia, of Mansfield Township abandoned his vehicle after crashing into a utility pole near 120 Grand Ave. in Hackettstown around 1:50 a.m., local police said in a Jan. 11 release.

A responding officer later found Morales-Mejia running on Washington Street toward West Moore Street, police said.

During questioning, Morales-Mejia appeared to be intoxicated and was determined to be the driver of the crashed vehicle, which was also littered with several empty alcoholic beverage containers, police said.

Morales-Mejia was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, failure to report an accident, leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, careless driving, and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container.

He was released pending a court appearance.

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