STAFFORD TOWNSHIP-- A Toms River man was arrested Wednesday after he was found slumped behind the wheel of his vehicle with a young girl and her mother inside, police said.
Police received a tip that the man, 41-year-old Brian K. Howell, was in a Jeep Liberty at the McDonald's restaurant on Rt. 72 West in Manahawkin. The anonymous caller also said a child was in the Jeep.
Responding officers determined that Howell was operating the Jeep while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Howell was also allegedly in possession of narcotics.
He was charged with possession, driving while intoxicated and driving while intoxicated with a juvenile passenger. He was also issued issued summonses before being released pending a court date.
The child's mother was not charged. The state's Division of Child Protection and Permanency was called with regards to the girl, who police said was under five years old.
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