HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – An 18-year-old driver from Stanhope and a Hackettstown man were involved in a head-on collision Wednesday, leading to the arrest of one for driving while intoxicated, police said Friday.
The crash occurred around 4:56 p.m. at the intersection of Bilby Road and Willow Grove Street. Police say Nicholas R. Abato II, 22, of Hackettstown, was driving a Honda Accord when he collided with a Ford pickup. Officers detected the smell of alcohol on Abato, who later registered a blood-alcohol content of 0.34%, more than four times the legal limit. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, and unsafe lane change. Abato was released to a family member pending a court appearance.
In unrelated incidents, Hackettstown police also arrested two other men on October 3 on outstanding municipal traffic warrants. Anderzon H. Montoya Buezo, 28, and Jefferson Stalin Oto, 25, both from Hackettstown, were taken into custody and released after posting bail.
All three individuals are awaiting court appearances.
