Princeton Borough Police Blotter: DWI Crash Sends Four to Hospital

A Lawrence man was charged with driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident after he hit three other cars on Bayard Lane the evening of Oct. 14. A total of five people were injured as a result of the incident.

Moises Ortiz, 22, was traveling south on Bayard Lane at Boudinot Street in his Ford Explorer when he hit a Ford Thunderbird in front of his. The Thunderbird spun around and the 77-year-old driver became trapped and had to be extricated by the Princeton Fire and Princeton First Aid.  The driver suffered injuries to his hips and lower legs.

Ortiz continued southbound, according to police reports, striking a second vehicle that was stopped in traffic. He then continued south on Bayard lane striking the rear of a third vehicle that was stopped, and that vehicle was pushed into a fourth vehicle.

Ortiz allegedly attempted to flee the scene by driving over the west curb of  Bayard Lane, but he then hit a traffic signal pole and a tree at the intersection of  Bayard Lane and Stockton street.

Four people, including Ortiz, were transported to the University Medical Center at Princeton for treatment of injuries as a result of the accident.

In addition to being charged for driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene, Ortiz was charged with reckless driving, failure to maintain a lane, improper passing and driving without a license.  His bail was set at $25,000 and he will appear in court today.

Early the next morning, a Trenton man was stopped for speeding on Nassau Street and police determined he had been drinking. Police charged Alexander Skroumbelos, 30, with driving while intoxicated and speeding. His court hearing is also today.