Fairfield (NJ) – The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Jose Roa, (43) of Elmwood Park, NJ for driving while intoxicated on February 24, 2024. On that date at approximately 12:35 am, officers responded to a motor vehicle accident on Passaic Avenue in front of the Franklin Steakhouse.
Upon their arrival, they located two vehicles involved in a crash, one being a black Audi which Roa was the driver. Officers Ryan Cleary and Andrew VanderWal investigated and observed Roa to be exhibiting signs and symptoms of someone who is under the influence, to include bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech, and the inability to stand without supporting himself.
Field sobriety testing was conducted, at which time it is alleged that Roa refused to cooperate with the officer’s instructions. He was subsequently placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. Prior to being placed in the rear of the patrol vehicle, Roa was searched, and a loaded Glock 43 handgun was located in a holster on his person. Roa failed to advise officers that he was carrying a handgun at the time of the arrest and could not producehis concealed carry permit, which is required in the Stateof New Jersey. Further, it is alleged the handgun contained hollow point bullets, which are illegal to possess in the State of New Jersey. The handgun was safely secured and no other contraband was located. Roa’s vehicle was impounded per New Jersey law.
Roa was transported to police headquarters for processing. It is alleged that he refused to provide samples of his breath which is required in the State of New Jersey. Roa was subsequently charged with driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to breath testing, and several other motor vehicle violations. In addition, he was charged with carrying a handgun while under the influence, failure to disclose to law enforcement that he was armed, failure to possess a concealed carry permit while in possession of a weapon, and possession of hollow point bullets. The handgun was also seizedpending further investigation.
“A citizen who has obtained a permit to legally carry a handgun in New Jersey must abide by the law. In this case, allegedly being under the influence and failing to possess the required documentation led to further charges against Roa,” said Public Information Officer Stacy Chiarolanza.
Roa was later released pending an initial appearance at the Essex County Courthouse on April 30, 2024.
(Charges are merely allegations until the defendant is proven guilty or pleads guilty in a court of law).
Issued by: Officer Stacy Chiarolanza (PIO)
