Two New Jersey Cops Cited for DUI after 1974 Corvette Crashes into a Church

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Two New Jersey Cops Cited for DUI after 1974 Corvette Crashes into a Church

Two police officers in Millville, N.J., are under investigation after the green 1974 Corvette they were riding in crashed into a church.

The incident, which happened on the evening of Sept. 3, only became public Tuesday after The Daily Journal newspaper asked law enforcement officials about the crash and criminal review now underway by the Prosecutor’s Office.

Officer Charles Twigg owned the Corvette, but he allowed fellow Officer Michael McLaughlin Jr., to drive the car even though McLaughlin had a blood-alcohol level of .092 percent, according to Chief Thomas Haas.

This sounds like a classic case of “do as I say, not as I do.”

Amazingly, though, neither officer was wearing his seatbelt, and as lawmen, both should have been well aware that it is illegal and life-threatening to themselves and others to drive under the influence of alcohol.

Right now, officials say no disciplinary action has been taken against the officers, who were off duty when the crash occurred, but noted that could change after the criminal review is completed.

The two men were thrown from the Corvette, which suffered extensive damage to the front end, after McLaughlin veered off the roadway in a curve, went airborne for 20 feet, and eventually crashed into St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church on Carmel Road.

Both officers have been cited for drunken driving, and Chief Haas said the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office could add more charges for Twigg related to enabling an impaired driver to operate his vehicle.

McLaughlin is recuperating at home from a fracture or dislocation in his back, while Twigg complained of pain but had no noticeable severe injuries and has now returned to work, according to the report

Church members said vinyl siding, an outdoor electrical box, a security alarm box and a brick retaining wall on the church were damaged by the Corvette.

A story on The Daily Journal’s website said the investigation was handled by Sgt. Kevin McLaughlin but did not indicate if he is related to Michael McLaughlin Jr.

Michael McLaughlin has been with the police department for more than a year and a half, while Twigg has been a Millville officer for nearly 20 years.

We’ll keep you posted on more updates to this developing story.


Source:
CourierPostOnline.com

Related:
[ACCIDENT] C5 Corvette Driver Facing Felony Charges After DUI Crash
Man Arrested After Driving a Borrowed 1971 Corvette Into a Saltwater Marsh
[ACCIDENT] High Speed Corvette Crash Causes Chain Reaction Wreck in Norway

 



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