Driver Asleep Behind the Wheel, Causes Traffic Jam at Busiest Intersection in Montgomery Township

By Barbara A. Preston | Posted December 8, 2023

Montgomery Township police found a man slumped over the steering wheel of his vehicle, which was stopped in the Route 206/518 intersection on Thursday, December 7 at 8 pm — surrounded by a slew of irate drivers honking their horns.

Police officers say a 2020 Nissan Rogue was stopped in the left turn lane of Route 518. Its driver, apparently asleep, was the lone occupant in the vehicle. After multiple attempts the officers were able to wake the driver, who was identified as 31-year-old Jake Fenical of Franklin Park.

A subsequent investigation led to Fenical's arrest for driving while intoxicated. He was transported back to Montgomery Police Headquarters for processing. Fenical was served summonses for DWI, careless driving, reckless driving, and delaying traffic. He was later released into his family’s care pending a first appearance in Montgomery Township Municipal Court.