SOUTH BRUNSWICK – A local man was charged with DWI while driving a backhoe along New Road.
South Brunswick police received phone calls about a man driving a backhoe near Route 1 while allegedly drinking beer and swerving all over the road around 3:45 p.m. on Dec. 13, according to information provided by the South Brunswick Police Department (SBPD).
Officer Robert Rask was in the area and observed a male driving the backhoe west on New Road. The officer reportedly observed the driver drift back and forth in the lane and onto the shoulder of the road. The driver appeared slouched over the wheel of the backhoe as he was driving, police said.
Rask pulled the backhoe over near the Kendall Park Fire Department headquarters. He identified the driver as William Campbell, 56, of Franklin Park.
Rask reportedly detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage on Campbell’s breath and allegedly recovered a bottle of Jack Daniels and a vodka bottle from Campbell, according to reports. Campbell was charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI). He was transported to police headquarters and processed.
Campbell was issued numerous motor vehicle summonses including DWI, careless driving, failing to maintain a lane and having an open alcohol container. In addition, he was charged with driving while suspended as a result of a DWI conviction which is a 4th degree crime. Campbell has seven prior DWI convictions dating to 1980.
Campbell was released pending his first court appearance in January.
