GLOUCESTER TWP., N.J. (WPVI) — A driver suspected of driving while intoxicated fled the scene after a violent crash late at night along Old Black Horse Pike that brought down utility wires, sparked flames and left hundreds of residents without power, police said.
The crash happened just before 10 p.m. Wednesday, when neighbors reported hearing a loud impact outside their homes. Police said the vehicle struck a utility pole, causing wires to fall and the car to flip onto its side. Flames were visible at the scene.
“I looked outside and my lawn was on fire,” said Nicholas Cammaroto, who lives nearby.
Cammaroto said he and his wife, who is nine months pregnant, were shaken by what they saw moments after the crash.
“I was on a Zoom call, and the power went out as I heard an impact. Someone had hit the pole right out front,” he said.
Gloucester Township police said about 400 residents lost power as a result of the crash. According to police, both the driver and a passenger were able to climb out of the overturned vehicle and ran from the scene on foot.
Neighbor Dereck Mack said he watched the moments immediately after the crash unfold.
“I saw the two guys climbing out of the car. They were talking to someone who stopped to help, and the next thing I knew, the guys were gone,” Mack said.
Police later identified the driver as 38-year-old Alan Cooper of Blackwood. He was arrested nearby a short time later and was suspected of driving while intoxicated, police said. Authorities said preliminary information indicated the driver’s blood alcohol content was double the legal limit.
Some residents in the area said they were without power overnight. Utility crews were seen working to restore service early Thursday afternoon, and power has since been restored.
Neighbors also said the same utility pole had been struck by another vehicle months earlier and had remained damaged.
“It had been left wrapped in caution tape since November. It has progressively getting worse and breaking,” Cammaroto said.
The damaged pole has now been replaced. Neighbors said they were relieved the crash did not result in serious injuries.
“It could’ve been my fence or my house,” Mack said. “It was bad. Airbags deployed.”
Gloucester Township police said the crash should serve as a reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence.
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