A suspected intoxicated driver was arrested in Blackwood, New Jersey, after police said he crashed into a utility pole, triggering an outage that left hundreds of residents without power. According to Gloucester Township Police, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, around 9:58 p.m., officers were dispat ched to the area of Old Black Horse Pike and Oak Avenue after receiving a report of a hit-and-run crash. When officers got to the scene, police said they found a severed utility pole and the striking vehicle on its side. Credit: Gloucester Township Police Department The people in the vehicle had fled the scene before officers arrived, police said. However, a quick-thinking witness provided officers with descriptions of the driver and the passenger. Just a short distance away, police said officers found the driver, now identified as Alan Cooper, 38, of Blackwood, New Jersey, and the passenger. Police said during the investigation, Cooper was suspected of DWI and arrested. After processing, he was released pending a court date. Damage to the utility pole caused power outages affecting about 400 residents in the area, according to police. Credit: Gloucester Township Police Department Police issue a reminder that it is never okay to drive while under the influence. If you are on the road and see a suspected intoxicated driver, contact 9-1-1immediately to report it. “This crash should be a reminder that safe driving protects not only you, but every family sharing our roadways. Please slow down, stay alert, and never drive while under the influence. One decision can make all the difference and not overturn anyone’s lives,” said Gloucester Township Police Chief Anthony Minosse. ...read more read less