MANAHAWKIN — A Stafford man was charged with driving while intoxicated after police said his SUV left the road, struck a utility pole and injured a 3-year-old child.
Stafford Township police said officers responded at about 8:33 p.m. June 4 to a one-vehicle crash near Lighthouse Drive and Barnacle Drive.
According to police, Jake Lech, 30, was driving south in a white 2026 GMC Acadia when the vehicle went off the roadway and hit a utility pole. The crash brought utility lines down into the street, forcing Lighthouse Drive to close in both directions.
Traffic was detoured through Barnacle Drive and Reef Avenue while crews handled repairs, police said. The road reopened the next morning after utility companies completed their work.
A 3-year-old child suffered minor injuries and was taken to Southern Ocean Medical Center for treatment, police said.
Lech was arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated. Police said a warrant was obtained for a blood draw. He was later released to a family member pending a future court appearance.
Lech was issued summonses for driving while intoxicated, careless driving, reckless driving and failure to maintain lane, police said.
Patrolman Otte investigated the crash.
