Crime & Safety
Drunk Driver Caused I-80 Crash Saturday, Police Said
Three individuals were treated for minor injuries in three-car accident, according to authorities.
New Jersey State Police have identified the alleged drunk driver who reportedly caused a three-car crash that sent several people to the hospital and caused traffic delays on Interstate 80 eastbound just after 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Jose Placeres, 39, of Newark, faces charges of driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended and reckless driving, said New Jersey State Police spokesperson Lt. Steve Jones, adding that Placeres' white Acura was impounded following the incident.
According to state police, Placeres merged onto I-80 East from Route 202, hitting two cars and causing them to hit the median. He subsequently was arrested and charged.
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Three people were treated for minor injuries at St. Clare's Hospital in Denville, while four others refused treatment, Jones said. Two children were passengers in one of the cars hit, he said.
Placeres was not injured in the incident, Jones said.
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The accident snarled traffic for more than an hour, according to state police. All lanes reopened at about 8:30 p.m.
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