Retired fashion designer, 71, was drunk, driving on rim in utility pole crashes, Wyckoff police charge

YOU READ IT HERE FIRST: A 71-year-old retired independent clothing designer from Franklin Lakes was drinking and driving on three tires and a rim after her car hit utility poles in two towns, authorities said.

Photo Credit: *Cliffview Pilot File Photo*

Jerry DeMarco

06/18/2015 6:00 p.m.

A caller alerted Wyckoff police to the 2009 Lexus, which they found in a cul-de-sac off Ackerson Avenue — along with various auto body parts — just before 4 p.m. Saturday, Police Chief Benjamin Fox said this afternoon.

The car had struck utility poles on Sicomac Avenue and on Franklin Lakes Road in Franklin Lakes, he said.

Following a breath test, officers charged Susan H. Billstein with DWI, reckless driving, leaving the scene of a crash, failing to report a crash and driving with an open container of alcohol in a vehicle, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash, the chief said.

Billstein, known as Susie Hooper Billstein, was released to her son pending a Municipal Court hearing, he said.

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