On May 7, 2024, Sgt. Sackerman saw a male driver sleeping behind the wheel at the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Frank E Rodgers Blvd. Detective Lecca and Officer Gerris responded to the scene and began speaking to the driver where they detected an odor of alcohol emitting from his breath. Further, a bottle of Vodka was observed in plain view lying in the passenger seat. The driver was removed from the vehicle where he failed the on-scene Field Sobriety Testing. The driver now identified as Armando Bermudez, 25 of Harrison, was placed under arrest. He was transported to police headquarters and agreed to submit samples of his breath for analysis to determine his blood alcohol content. He was issued a summons for DWI, Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle, and Careless Driving. He was advised of his court date and released to a responsible party.
On May 8, 2024, Officer Gerris was dispatched to the 700 block of Harrison Avenue on a report of a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident. There, he observed a black Honda CRV that sustained heavy front-end damage. The driver stated that a black SUV came into his lane of travel and crashed into him head-on, then left the scene of the accident. A witness stated that the vehicle that fled the scene was parked two blocks away near R+L Carriers Trucking Company. Detective Lecca responded in search of the driver and was able to locate the vehicle on Sandford Avenue in Kearny. The driver appeared to be disoriented and confused. He was slurring his words, had an overwhelming odor of alcohol emitting from his breath, and he appeared to be disheveled. The on-scene investigation revealed that the driver was intoxicated. The driver Andrew Kapushy, 45 of Kearny, was placed under arrest. He was issued a summons for DWI, Reckless Driving and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. He was advised of his court date and released to a responsible party.
On May 13, 2024, Detective Lecca conducted a traffic stop after observing the driver disregard the red traffic light near the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Hiram Place. Upon approaching the vehicle, he observed that the driver’s eyes were bloodshot and watery. He further observed that there were multiple empty bottles of Corona and a half-empty bottle of Whiskey in the center cup holder. Field sobriety tests were conducted, and the driver failed each test. Mr. Abel Ochoa, 34 of Newark, was arrested for DUI and transported to police headquarters. He was given multiple summonses, including having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. He was advised of his court date and released to a family member.
On May 14, 2024, Detective Lecca and Officer Gomez responded to the intersection of Davis Avenue and Hamilton Street on a report of a vehicle that jumped the center divider and crashed into a light pole. Detective Lecca arrived on the scene and observed that both the driver and passenger side airbags were deployed. The driver was removed from the vehicle after determining that he did not need medical attention. The driver had trouble maintaining his balance and was leaning against his vehicle to prevent himself from falling. His clothes were disheveled, had an odor of alcohol emitting from his breath, and was swaying from side to side. He further admitted to drinking beers at a nearby bar. He failed the field sobriety tests at the scene and was arrested for DUI. He was issued a summons for DWI, Reckless driving, and Careless driving. He was advised of his court date and released to a family member.