STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A priest who teaches at a Staten Island high school was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated after hitting a utility pole in Annadale and registering a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit, authorities say.

After the crash, which occurred at approximately 7:44 p.m. May 5, the Rev. Jakub Ciolak, 39, was observed by police having a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, slurred speech, and bloodshot and watery eyes before a breathalyzer test determined that his blood-alcohol level was .24, according to a criminal complaint and a source with knowledge of the arrest.

The crash, which took place at the corner of Hylan Boulevard and Philip Avenue, allegedly caused extensive damage to the entire body of Ciolak’s 2016 white BMW 328, according to the criminal complaint.

Authorities allege that Ciolak told police that he was “heading home” when the crash occurred and only had “two, maybe three drinks.”

Ciolak is a teacher at St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School, according to sources. According to the school’s Facebook page, he also was a coach of the boy’s volleyball team.

“The archdiocese is aware of the situation involving Father Ciolak and we are working with the principal of the school to address the situation," said Joseph Zwilling, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of New York.

“We will cooperate with the police in their investigation in whatever way is needed,” he added.

Ciolak’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.