Drunken man crashed into garbage truck, authorities say

A drunken Caldwell man crashed his Jeep into a garbage truck early Wednesday on the Lincoln Tunnel Helix, authorities said.

A drunken Caldwell man crashed his Jeep into a garbage truck, Oct. 21, 2015, authorities said. (File Photo) 

WEEHAWKEN -- A drunken Caldwell man crashed his Jeep into a garbage truck early Wednesday on the Lincoln Tunnel Helix, authorities said.

Todd J. Gross, 48, was driving westbound at about 2 a.m. when he struck a private sanitation truck from behind, Joe Pentangelo, a spokesman for the Port Authority, said.

A Port Authority police officer who interviewed Gross noticed he staggered and his eyes were bloodshot, Pentangelo said. The officer also smelled alcohol.

Gross said he drank wine earlier in Manhattan, Pentangelo said. He failed field sobriety and chemical tests.

Police arrested Gross on charges of driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated in a school zone and reckless driving.

The front end of the Jeep was badly damaged, Pentangelo said. It was towed and impounded.

The garbage truck driver refused medical attention and drove from the scene.