Police have accused former state Assemblyman Ryan Karben of driving drunk and crashing his car into a utility pole.

Ramapo police say the incident took place Wednesday night on Brick Church Road in Ramapo. According to police, the 33-year-old Karben told officers that he hit a utility pole after swerving to avoid a deer. They say he was arrested at 10:45 p.m. after refusing to take a blood-alcohol test.

Karben is currently deputy village attorney in Spring Valley. He resigned from the Assembly over a year ago amid a sex scandal involving male interns.

Karben pleaded not guilty to the DWI charge and was released on his own recognizance. He was also charged with operating a vehicle with no insurance card and had his license suspended.

For an interview with police about Karben, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.