Jersey City Man Allegedly Drunk Knocks Down Utility Pole Then Flees Scene

Arrestee: Alex Lin 36 y/o Male from Jersey City, NJ

Arrest Location: 417 Manila Avenue, Jersey City, NJ

Arrest Date & Time: 04/23/20 at 10:26 PM

Offenses: DWI, Refusal, Open Container of Alcohol in a MV, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Driving with Suspended Licenses and Registration

Officers: P.O. Marc Lombardi, SPO Kyle Seper, and Sgt. Luke Zeszotarski

Incident Detail:    On 04/23/20, at about 9:29 PM, Hoboken Police Department received a call for a utility pole struck by a gray van with possible New York registration, which had fled the scene. The pole was knocked over and it was located in the area of 559 Newark Street, an area that borders Jersey City. Jersey City Police was notified and a vehicle matching the above description was stopped at about 9:45 PM in the area of 417 Manila Avenue with heavy front end damage. P.O. Marc Lombardi, SPO Kyle Seper, and Sgt. Luke Zeszotarski responded to meet up with Jersey City Police at 417 Manila Avenue. Sgt. Zeszotarski observed the damage on the vehicle and the damage appeared to be consistent with having struck a utility pole based on the extent and shape of the damage. Sgt. Zeszotarski interviewed the driver identified as Alex Lin. After speaking with Lin, Sgt. Zeszotarski performed a field sobriety test. Upon completing the test, Sgt. Zeszotarski determined Lin was unable to operate a motor vehicle safely and was placed under arrest.

Lin did not provide a breath sample and was charged with refusal. Lin was also charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Possession of Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Driving with a Suspended License, and Driving with a Suspended Registration.

Lin was unable to have a responsible party pick him up and as per John’s Law, Lin was kept in police custody for 12 hours. After 12 hours, Lin was released on his own.

Above party is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.