A man was allegedly intoxicated and behind the wheel of his car on Christmas Eve when he asked a Madison NJ police officer for directions.
According to authorities, the 55-year-old New York man pulled his vehicle into the parking lot of Gary’s Wine & Marketplace, a liquor store located at 121 Main Street in Madison, New Jersey. The suspect then reportedly waved over an off-duty cop in the parking lot and asked him for directions.
When the officer peered inside the car, he allegedly saw an open container of alcohol in the vehicle’s cup holder tray.
The officer also observed the suspect’s behavior and determined that the suspect appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. When a second police officer arrived at the scene sometime later, she confirmed the first officer’s observations and determined that the suspect was drunk. At that time, the suspect was placed under arrest.
The suspect has been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI). He also faces additional charges and enhanced penalties for allegedly driving while intoxicated near a school zone.
The suspect was also charged with possessing an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.
If the suspect is ultimately convicted on the drunk driving charges, he could be subject to significant penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, even a first-time DWI offender can be sentenced to up to 30 days in jail and have their driver’s license suspended for a period of 3 months.
After being arrested and charged, the suspect was released from custody on his own recognizance. He will have to make an appearance in Madison Municipal Court at a later date.
For additional information about this case, access the NJ.com article entitled “Drunk Driver Asked Off-Duty Cop for Directions, Madison Police Say.”
