The police force’s anti-driving while intoxicated (DWI) efforts have really been heating up this summer.
As of Aug. 27, the Little Falls Police’s DWI arrest count stands at about 90 since Jan. 1. The number does not include the latest cases, which have not been tabulated. The figure is soon expected to reach three digits and the department may break its all time annual record of 121 DWI arrests for 2000.
The recent incidents include the following:
On Aug. 24 at 1:15 a.m., Little Falls Police Officer Ted Shapllo was conducting roving DWI patrol on Route 46 west by Lower Notch Road. He stopped a 2001 Dodge on a speeding violation. He noticed the motorist allegedly had an odor of alcohol on his breath. Shapllo arrested Marvin Turner Jr., 20, of Jersey City. A breath test showed the driver allegedly had a .10 blood/alcohol level, according to records.
On Aug. 22 at 9 p.m., Little Falls Police Officer Bryan Prall was on Route 46 west by Paterson Avenue. He halted a 1998 Honda on speeding and purple headlights transgressions. He found the operator allegedly had signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes. He apprehended Luis Rodriguez, 22, of Newark, following a drug recognition expert’s assessment, on an evaluation, authorities said.
On Aug. 20 at 9:30 p.m., Little Falls Police Officer James Briggs was on Route 46 east by Oak Hill Road. He pulled over a 2006 GMC vehicle that was drifting in and out of the lane. He detected that the operator allegedly had an alcoholic odor on his breath. Briggs took into custody Sean Maher, 31, of Wayne. A breath evaluation indicated the motorist allegedly had a .18 blood alcohol content, according to records.
Turner and Maher were charged with driving while intoxicated. Rodriguez was charged with driving while under the influence of narcotics. In addition, Rodriguez also faces possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia counts, police said.
All those arrested were released on their recognizance, pending a court date. All suspects are innocent until found guilty in a court of law, pending due process.
Police Chief Gerald Hunter said the anti-DWI emphasis encompasses more than local highways.
"We get them on the local roads too. We’re doing our best to keep the motoring public safe in Little Falls," he said.
Hunter said he hates hat many people still choose to drink and drive, despite the department’s tough enforcement policy. The chief did say the problem today is less severe than 30 years ago. He said the roads, particularly at night, used to be inundated with drunks.
"I would said, back in the 70s, two out of every five drivers were under the influence."
The chief said the patrol division’s numerous traffic stops have uncovered one encouraging trend.
"We did see an increase in usage of seatbelts."
