Driver Charged with DWI after Crashing into the Millstone River in Belle Mead

The Montgomery News | September 18, 2025

On September 17 at 8:50 pm, Montgomery Police, Montgomery Fire Companies 1 and 2, Montgomery EMS and Griggstown Fire Company responded to River Road at the Belle Mead-Griggstown Road intersection for a motor vehicle crash involving a vehicle that drove through the guardrail into the Millstone River.

The vehicle was partially submerged; however, the occupants were not seriously injured.

Members from Montgomery Fire Company 1 were able to rescue the driver, identified as Sophia Cifelli, age 20 of East Brunswick, and an adult passenger.

Officers spoke with Cifelli to determine the cause of the crash. While speaking with Cifelli, officers determined Cifelli consumed alcoholic beverages prior to operating the vehicle.

Officers subsequently placed Cifelli under arrest for underage driving while intoxicated. Cifelli and the passenger were transported by Montgomery EMS to Robert Wood Johnson hospital in New Brunswick for an evaluation due to the crash.

Preliminary investigation determined Cifelli was travelling east on Belle Mead-Griggstown Road and failed to stop at the intersection of River Road.

Cifelli’s vehicle travelled across River Road, impacting the guard rail and coming to rest in the Millstone River. The investigation is ongoing and additional motor vehicle charges are pending.

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