Fairfield (NJ) – The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Erik Culhane-Gomez, (25), of Highland Lakes, NJ, for driving while intoxicated on December 2, 2023. On that date at approximately 5:32 am, officers were dispatched to Route 46 West at Madison Road for a report of a one car motor vehicle crash into a utility pole.
Upon arrival, Corporal D’Argenio, Officers Ciampi, Wilk and Alves located a vehicle that crashed into a utility poleon Route 46 West at the exit to Madison Road. All occupants were out of the vehicle with one occupant suffering from face and head injuries.
Officer Ciampi spoke with the driver, Culhane-Gomez, who was allegedly exhibiting signs and symptomsconsistent with someone who was under the influence, to include bloodshot, watery eyes, as well as the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath.
Based on the totality of the circumstances, field sobriety testing was conducted. Culhane-Gomez was subsequently arrested for driving while intoxicated and transported to police headquarters for processing. The vehicle was impounded per New Jersey Law. Breath samples were taken, and it is alleged that his blood alcohol content was above the legal limit. The damage to the utility pole caused Madison Road to be closed for approximately eight hours so repairs could be made.
Due to the injuries sustained to the passenger, Culhane-Gomez was charged with assault by auto while driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated, failure to maintain lane and careless driving. He was later released pending an initial appearance on March 21, 2023 at the Essex County Courthouse.
