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LDPF continues racking up DWIs
(by Tom Boud - October 15, 2008)
The township police department's anti-driving while intoxicated (DWI) crusade tally continues to rise.
As of last Thursday, the Little Falls Police Department had made about 100 drunken driving (DWI) apprehensions so far this year. With the pace, the department could break its all time annual DWI arrest high of 121 arrests made in 2000, according to Little Falls Police Chief Gerald Hunter.
Recent cases include the following, according to records.
On Sept. 26 at about 11:30 p.m., Little Falls Police Officer James Briggs stopped a 93 Honda at Route 23 and Main Street on a speeding violation. Briggs noticed the driver allegedly exhibited signs of intoxication. He apprehended Frederic Splieth, 45, of Little Falls. A breath test showed the subject allegedly had a .16 blood/alcohol content, police said.
On Sept. 24 at 10 p.m., Briggs pulled over a 2007 GMC at Stevens Avenue and Main Street. The driver allegedly violated the intersection's no right turn at red light rule. Briggs noted the operator allegedly had an alcoholic odor on his breath and took into custody Joseph Belott Jr., 59, of Florham Park. A breath evaluation indicated the arrestee allegedly had a .13 blood alcohol concentration, police said.
On Sept. 12 at about 1:30 a.m., Little Falls Police Officer Bryan Prall halted a 2002 Chevrolet on Route 46 East at Browertown Road on a speeding offense. Prall found the motorist allegedly had an odor of alcohol on his breath. The officer detained Richard Miller III, 24, of Toms River. A breath analysis revealed the individual allegedly had a .13 blood/alcohol level, authorities said.
Hunter said the anti-DWI campaign has been proceeding strongly.
"They're coming in faster than I anticipated. More than likely, we're going to break 121," he said.
Hunter said, this year, one helpful factor is a portable breath test (PBT) machine that enables police to do roadside DWI breath tests, instead of using a headquarters based machine. He said getting more immediate results increases the instances where probable cause is found for DWI suspects.
The chief said the department has one PBT, which is carried in a patrol car. He said, when an officer pulls over a suspected intoxicated motorist, the PBT is quickly deployed at the scene for taking blood/alcohol readings.
Hunter said he applauds his hard-working officers but wishes inebriated driving were not so prevalent.
"I honestly feel I wouldn't want to break the record. I would rather see a lower percentage of arrests because it would show people are getting the word," he said about the perils of drunk driving. "Some people are not getting it, and our officers are getting them."
Hunter said the force will maintain a tough stance against impaired operators.
"If we break the record, so be it."
All suspects were arrested following roadside sobriety tests, and other probable cause. They were charged with driving while intoxicated. They were released on their own recognizance, pending a court date. All accused parties are innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law, following due process.
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