Cops: Injured Teen Had Been Drinking

A Glen Gardner teen found injured at Califon Island Park was arrested and issued a criminal complaint alleging he was under the influence of alcohol while under age, Washington Township Police Lt. Mark Niemynski said.

Officer Michael Hade was on foot patrol at the park when he came upon four people sitting on top of a picnic table, Niemynski said. When Hade spoke with the group, he noticed one teenager, an 18-year-old, had a large, fresh bump on his head, Niemynski said.

When Hade asked the teen how the injury occurred, he became argumentative and would not answer Hade’s questions, Niemynski said.

During the conversation, Hade smelled alcohol on the teen’s breath, Niemynski said. The other three members of the group were unable to explain how the fourth received his injury, which resulted in the teen being transported to Hunterdon County Medical Center by the Califon Borough First Aid Squad, Niemynski said.

The following day, the teenager received a criminal complaint for being under the influence of alcohol under age and given a court date. None of the other three people were arrested or received any criminal complaints, Niemynski said.

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