Carteret’s new police director charged with DWI, suspended

Carteret's new police director has been charged with driving under the influence in an off-duty crash, according to a report by New Jersey Advance Media.

Ronald Franz has been suspended without pay just three weeks after being hired for his $70,000-per-year civilian position, the report said, citing Carteret's administration.

According to the report, Old Bridge Police said Franz was driving a 2015 Lexus on Route 9 near Ferry Road when the car ran off the road Tuesday evening. Franz appeared intoxicated and officers smelled alcohol on his breath, police reportedly said.

He was charged with refusing a DWI test as well as reckless driving, improper passing and obstructing traffic, the report said.

Franz retired from the State Police in 1999, according to State Records.