The impact caused the traffic light to fall into the southbound lanes of Route 9. Watch video
The crash happened Tuesday evening at the intersection of Route 9 and East Bay Avenue in Stafford Township. (Google Maps)STAFFORD -- A man was charged with DWI after he crashed his vehicle into a traffic light pole Tuesday, police said.
At around 6:30 p.m., Stafford police responded to the intersection of Route 9 and East Bay Avenue for a report of a single-vehicle crash.
Police learned that Michael Minelli, 54, of Waretown, was driving his vehicle northbound on Route 9 when it veered off and crashed into the traffic light at the center of the intersection with East Bay Avenue, Stafford police Patrolman Christopher Fritz said.
Fritz said the impact caused the traffic light to fall into the southbound lane of Route 9.
Minelli was taken to Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin where he was treated for minor injuries, Fritz said.
Minelli was charged with DWI, open alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle, reckless driving and failure to maintain a traffic lane.
The traffic light was replaced by the New Jersey State Department of Transportation.
Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.