PARSIPPANY — On Thursday, June 27, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Thomas Caccavale was on routine patrol on Greenbank Road near 99 Greenbank Road. While driving west, the officer observed a light-colored sedan traveling East. While approaching the patrol vehicle, the sedan crossed the center line and entered the opposite travel lane in front of the officer’s car. Officer Caccavale initiated the brakes on the patrol vehicle and swerved to the right to avoid impact. He then turned around and initiated a motor vehicle stop of the car on Greenbank Road near Knoll Lane.
Officer Caccavale approached the vehicle and spoke to the female driver, the solo occupant, who later identified herself as Christine Turner, 44, of Pequannock. The officer requested Turner’s driving credentials and advised her of the reason for the stop.
Christine displayed slow, slurred speech and constricted pupils. Despite living in close proximity, she was unable to provide an accurate description of the path she was taking to her destination.
Officer Caccavale went back to the patrol car to verify the driving credentials. Upon returning to the vehicle, Turner was sleeping in the driver’s seat. Upon banging on her vehicle and raising my voice, Turner woke up and displayed the same mannerisms. During the traffic stop, the officer returned to the patrol car a second time and again returned to the vehicle to find Turner sleeping. Officer Caccavale asked Christine if she was under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, to which she initially stated no. Turner would later advise me she had one beer.
Officer Caccavale then requested Patrolman Maio to respond to the location and assist with field sobriety testing. Patrolman Maio and Patrolman Nicoletti arrived on the scene shortly after. Patrolman Maio performed standard field sobriety testing, to which she displayed signs of impairment. Turner was subsequently placed under arrest for DUI. Turner provided two breath samples, which showed a BAC of 0.00.
During processing, an inventory of Turner’s property was conducted. The inventory allegedly revealed three cigarette cartons located inside Turner’s purse. These cartons contained CDS and Drug Paraphernalia.
Christine Turner was charged with NJSA 2C:35-10c, Failure to turn over CDS, and NJSA 2C:36-2A, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Turner was ultimately issued a motor vehicle summons for Operating a vehicle under the influence of liquor or drugs (39:4-50), Traffic on marked lanes (39:4-88), Careless Driving (39:4-97), Reckless Driving (39:4-96) and Operation of a motor vehicle in possession of a narcotic (39:4-49.1).
Turner was released to a friend who was advised of John’s Law and signed the appropriate line indicating he understood. Turner was released from custody with a pending municipal court appearance on August 15.
Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
