West Middlesex councilman charged with DUI
May 10—WEST MIDDLESEX — A West Middlesex councilman and volunteer firefighter was charged with DUI after an accident last month.
William Novak, a West Middlesex councilman since 2022, was also charged with summary moving offenses.
According to a criminal complaint, Shenango Township police were called to the scene of a one-vehicle accident about 11:30 p.m. April 27 on Wansack Road.
Upon arriving, the officer found the car 30 to 40 feet off the road. He reported severe damage to the car.
He was able to speak with Novak, who said he was uninjured and the only one in the car, though the officer insisted he seek medical treatment because of the crash severity.
Police said an officer reported that Novak showed signs of intoxication. The officer asked if he would Novak was willing to take a field sobriety test to which Novak agreed, but it was decided he would need to be cleared by EMS first.
Police did not report Novak's blood-alcohol level in the court documents.
Novak, contacted through social media, issued an emailed statement crediting his seat belt for resulting in only minor injuries. He denied allegations that he was driving recklessly or at an unsafe speed, which were among the summary charges filed.
"I will trust the legal process moving forward and look forward to my day in court," he said in the statement.
Novak is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 9:45 a.m. June 13.
NOTE: All accused are to be considered innocent until proven or adjudicated guilty in court.
