Crime & Safety

Cops: Driver Was Drunk When Car Caught Fire

The following information was provided by the Washington Township Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction.

A Long Valley man was driving while intoxicated when his car was overtaken by flames Monday afternoon, said.

Police received a call of a vehicle fire on Schooley’s Mountain Road in the area of Minebrook Golf Course, Lt. Doug Compton said. Officer Robert Brobst responded to the area near 315 Schooley’s Mountain Road and found Wayne Mohr’s vehicle fully engulfed, Compton said.

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A subsequent investigation revealed Mohr was traveling south on Schooley’s Mountain Road, and for unknown reasons crossed over into the northbound lane and struck a guide rail, Compton said. Mohr’s car continued back into the southbound lane before breaking down on the shoulder where it caught fire, Compton said.

Mohr, 45, was not in the vehicle and was uninjured, police said. When Brobst spoke with Mohr, the officer detected a strong odor of alcohol on the driver’s breath, and requested he conduct a field sobriety test, Compton said.

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Mohr failed the test and was placed under arrest, Compton said. Mohr was taken to police headquarters, where authorities learned he also had an outstanding warrant from Union Township Municipal Court in the amount of $750, Compton said.

Firefighters from Schooley’s Mountain Fire Company extinguished the blaze on Mohr’s vehicle.

Mohr was charged with failure to maintain lane, reckless driving, and driving while intoxicated. He was released on his own recognizance from Union Township Municipal Court, and released to an adult by Washington Township Police.

For questions about this post, email jason.koestenblatt@patch.com.


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