STAFFORD, Va. -- A 61-year-old man was charged with driving under the influence Wednesday after his vehicle crashed into a stone pillar in South Stafford, leaving behind significant property damage.

The incident occurred around 4:18 p.m. on New Hope Church Road when a Dodge Journey veered off the roadway, struck a wooden fence, and ultimately collided with a stone pillar at the end of a driveway, according to Stafford County authorities.

Deputy J.W. McAlister, who responded to the scene, found the driver attempting to clean up the debris caused by the crash. The driver exhibited signs of intoxication and admitted to consuming "probably too much" alcohol before getting behind the wheel, officials said.

The driver, whose blood alcohol content measured between .15 and .2, was charged with driving under the influence and failure to travel on the right side of the road. He was taken into custody at Rappahannock Regional Jail and held until sober.

Authorities emphasized the importance of driving sober, especially with New Year's Eve approaching, encouraging individuals to arrange for a safe ride home if consuming alcohol.