Alleged Drunk Driver Hits Pole, Injures Police Officer

A Lawrence Township man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving early this morning (Saturday, Nov. 17) after he crashed his car into a utility pole, toppling the pole and, in the process, damaging the police car of the officer who was just about to stop the suspect’s vehicle, according to township police.

Officer Scott Stein was on patrol about 12:40 a.m. today when he spotted the 2003 Nissan Altima operated by Carl Shangle, 56, allegedly traveling at a “high rate of speed” going south along Federal City Road, Sgt. Tim Drew said.

He said Stein followed the Nissan, intending to pull it over. But before the officer could initiate the traffic stop, he said, Shangle lost control of the Nissan while rounding a curve in the roadway, not far from the intersection with Denow Road.

Shangle’s Nissan crashed into a utility pole, snapping the pole and causing it to fall, Drew said. He said a guy-wire from the falling pole whipped around and struck Stein’s police car.

The police car was damaged and was taken out of service for repairs, Drew said. He said Stein suffered minor injuries in the accident but did not require hospitalization and later returned to duty.

Shangle, meanwhile, also suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital as a precaution, he said, noting that the Nissan sustained significant damage and had to be towed from the scene to the police impound yard.

He said Shangle was charged with driving under the influence, assault by auto and related offenses.