After impaired driver struck a utility pole on Somerdale Road, several GT homes were without power no Sunday afternoon.
The following report is from the Gloucester Township Police Department:
On July 1, at approximately 4:16 p.m., the Gloucester Township police emergency dispatch center received several 911 calls for a motor vehicle crash involving a car that had struck and snapped a utility pole on Somerdale Road near Morgan Hill Court in the Somerdale section of Gloucester Township.
At the same time, police headquarters, along with several residences and traffic signals along Chews Landing Road and Somerdale Road lost electrical power.
Arriving Officers located a single vehicle that had crashed into a utility pole with electrical wires down in the roadway. The driver and sole occupant was identified as Steven Hazen. He was removed by firefighters from Chews Landing Fire Department, Station 82 and Gloucester Township EMS.
Hazen was then transported to Cooper Trauma Hospital in Camden for treatment of severe lower leg injuries.
While Hazen was being treated at the hospital, a large clear plastic bag containing heroin, cocaine and prescription pills was located in his pants. The illegal contraband was turned over to officers who accompanied him to the hospital.
Hazen was admitted to the hospital for continued treatment of his injuries.
The Gloucester Township police emergency dispatch center continued to operate as normal on a back-up generator until electrical power was restored. Electrical power to the entire area was restored within 45 minutes. Somerdale Road was closed between Roberts Drive and Chews Landing Road for approximately eight hours, while the pole was replaced by electrical crews from PSE&G.
Hazen was charged with possession of heroin, cocaine and prescription pills, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within a school zone, use and under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance, driving while intoxicated and numerous motor vehicle offenses.
Upon his release from the hospital, he is scheduled to be remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail.
