Long Valley Teen Arrested After Nearly Hitting Pedestrians With Car

A Long Valley teen was charged with driving under the influence and careless driving after nearly hitting pedestrians in a Hackettstown Regional Medical Center parking lot with his vehicle, according to police.

Hospital workers called police after 9 p.m. on Monday, March 7, and reported that a vehicle was driving erratically in the parking lot, and nearly struck pedestrians as well as other vehicles.

Hackettstown police arrived on the scene to find Jarad Washkau, 19, operating the vehicle. Police said Washkau drove a friend to the hospital for an unknown medical condition.

The officer could not detect any alcohol odor on Washkau or in the vehicle. After conducting two field sobriety tests and failing them, Washkau underwent further testing and was determined to be under the influence of narcotics, according to police.

Washkau was arrested and then charged with driving under the influence and careless driving. He was then released to a friend pending a court appearance.