On April 26, 2024, Det. Lecca observed a red Chevrolet van disregarding the red traffic light at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Davis Avenue. A traffic stop was conducted where he met the driver and immediately detected an odor of alcohol emanating from the driver’s breath. He further observed several empty bottles of beer in the rear passenger compartment. The driver, identified as Marco Valle Masache, 22 of Hillside, failed the Field Sobriety Test and was placed under arrest. He further agreed to submit samples of his breath for analysis to determine his blood alcohol content. The driver provided two successful breath samples resulting in a .12% BAC. He was issued a summons for DWI, Failure to Observe Traffic Control Device, Careless Driving, Reckless Driving, Driving Without a License and Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle. He was later released to a responsible party.
On April 27, 2024, Det. Lecca was conducting a security check near an industrial area on Supor Blvd where he observed a white Ford pickup truck parked and occupied with two Hispanic males sleeping inside of the vehicle. Det. Lecca approached the vehicle to check on their well-being under the “Community Caretaking Function” and to ensure the safety and welfare of their person. Det. Lecca knocked on the window several times to get their attention, but the occupants were not responding. Upon closer inspection, two opened cans of alcohol were observed in plain view in the center cup holder and several more cans of beer were observed in a black bag near the passenger floorboard. After numerous attempts to wake the defendant (who was sitting in the driver’s seat), he finally stood up. The defendant’s eyes were bloodshot and watery, and he had an overwhelming odor of alcohol emanating from his breath. He was ordered to step out of the vehicle where he was further observed to be unsteady on his feet and had trouble maintaining his balance. He was asked on two separate occasions how he was going to get home, and he admitted twice that he intended to drive his vehicle home. Based on his admission and intent to drive, he was placed under arrest for DWI. He was transported to headquarters where he failed the Standard Field Sobriety Test. He agreed to submit samples of his breath and provided two successful breath samples resulting in a .18% BAC. He was later released to a responsible party.