Off-duty Gibbstown officer crashes into house

An SUV driven by an off-duty Gibbstown police officer went out of control and struck a street sign and another car before plowing into a house early yesterday, authorities said.

The officer, Kevin Villanova, is under investigation, suspected of driving while under the influence of alcohol, Gibbstown Police Chief Jeffrey Godfrey said.

About 12:45 a.m., Villanova was driving his 2000 Jeep Wrangler on East Broad Street in the township, Godfrey said.

The Jeep went across two lawns, struck a car, and crashed into a two-story house owned by George and Polly Huff.

The two were asleep in an upstairs bedroom and were not injured.

George Huff said he was awakened by the commotion and went to investigate.

"This didn't sound right. It sounded like a plane crashing," he said.

Huff said the Jeep was sticking out of the side of the house, where his family has lived for 30 years. Villanova was standing nearby.

The Jeep crashed into a garage that had been converted into a bedroom for the couple's son, Christopher, who was not home.

"It hit exactly where his bed was," his father said. "Luckily, he wasn't there at the time."

Huff said that safety inspectors surveyed the damage yesterday and that the family would be able to remain in the house while repairs were made.

Villanova, 34, of Gibbstown, was treated at Underwood Memorial Hospital in Woodbury and released, Godfrey said.

A blood sample was taken because authorities believed the crash was alcohol-related, he said.

Godfrey said motor-vehicle and department charges were pending against Villanova, an 11-year veteran. Villanova did not return a telephone message left at his home yesterday.