Towaco Man Arrested for DUI After Crash

Fairfield (NJ) – The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Vijayant Mehta (49), of the Towaco section of Montville for driving while intoxicated on February 26, 2026.

On that date at approximately 10:13 pm, officers were dispatched to Horseneck Road near the Montville border on a report of a single car motor vehicle crash.  Upon arrival they located a black Mercedes that had crashed into a snowbank.  It is alleged after leaving the roadway, the vehicle struck several utility poles before it came to rest in the snow.

Officer Patrick Reynolds located Mehta outside of his vehicle.  It is alleged that Officer Reynolds observed Mehta to be exhibiting signs and symptoms consistent with someone who is under the influence, specifically slow, slurred speech and the inability to stand or walk without assistance.  It is further alleged that Officer Reynolds was able to detect the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Mehta’s breath as he spoke.

Due to his inability to stand without assistance, no field testing was conducted on scene.    An ambulance was dispatched for Mehta due to the circumstances of the crash.  He ultimately refused any medical treatment and was placed under arrest for the suspicion of driving while intoxicated.  His vehicle was impounded per NJ law.

At headquarters Mehta was afforded the opportunity to perform standard field sobriety testing and provide samples of his breath for testing, however he ultimately refused.  He was processed and charged with driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to breath testing, careless driving, reckless driving, failure to report an accident, and failure to obey marked lanes on a roadway.  He was subsequently released pending an initial appearance at the Fairfield Municipal Court.

(Charges are merely allegations until the defendant is proven guilty or pleads guilty in a court of law).

Issued by: Officer Stacy Chiarolanza (PIO)