North Bergen police have arrested a Belleville man whose car allegedly crashed into a vehicle containing a woman who was eight months pregnant. The vehicle with the pregnant woman then hit a construction worker, police said.
The Belleville man was charged with driving while intoxicated.
According to Capt. Robert Dowd, at 12:52 a.m. Monday, a company called Tarheel Construction was working on the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s widening and repaving project on Tonnelle Avenue.
The DOT’s project often causes either one of the north or south bound lanes to be closed while drainage, signal, and paving work is under way, leaving one lane open to traffic. The project is expected to be completed in 2010.
At the time, Tarheel workers were changing a signal arrow board outside of the construction area in order to direct traffic.
A police detective was directing traffic at the construction area. He told police that he witnessed the driver, Angelo Lopez, 35, of Belleville, heading north on Tonnelle Avenue, allegedly weaving through traffic in his four-door 2004 Audi. It appeared that Lopez was trying to go around a green 1995 Honda by 91st Street, police said.
“He admitted to drinking, but said he wasn’t drunk.” – Robert Dowd
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The victim was treated for injuries to his leg, but Dowd said the injuries were minor.
The driver of the green Honda was pregnant, said Dowd.
The 8-month pregnant woman and the construction worker were transported to Palisades Medical Center for treatment.
Traffic Commander Lt. James Somers said that the construction worker was able to return to work, and that he heard the woman was able to walk out of the hospital.
Allegedly tried to drive away
Dowd said that Lopez allegedly tried to leave the scene of the accident.
“He attempted to actually leave the scene after he struck into [the vehicle and construction worker] until the [detective] commanded him to stop 20 yards from the scene,” said Dowd.
He said that the detective ran on foot to stop Lopez.
After apprehending Lopez, police asked him if he had been drinking.
“He [allegedly] admitted to drinking, but said he wasn’t drunk,” said Dowd.
Lopez allegedly was driving with a blood alcohol level of .09, over New Jersey’s legal intoxication level of .08.
Released without bail
Somers said that Lopez received a summons for driving while intoxicated and will likely receive substantial fines for the incident. He received no bail since those arrested for D.W.I. are released to a “responsible party” at police headquarters and will then face court.
Dowd said that Lopez was also issued a vehicle summons for reckless driving and was charged with attempting to flee the scene of an accident.
Traffic on Tonnelle
Somers said that since construction along Tonnelle Avenue began a few years ago, there have been a few extra “minor fender benders” but no major increase in accidents.
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.