PARSIPPANY — A Cedar Grove man was charged with driving while intoxicated after police found him slumped over behind the wheel of an idling vehicle on the side of Route 46 early Wednesday, August 12.
At approximately 12:59 a.m., Patrolman Esterlin Estevez was on patrol when he observed a white Dodge Durango parked on the side of Route 46 East near Vail Road with its emergency flashers activated. Patrolman Estevez stopped to conduct a welfare check and found the driver slumped over in the driver’s seat with the engine still running. The driver did not respond to the patrol vehicle’s overhead emergency lights or its side-mounted spotlights, and woke only after Patrolman Estevez illuminated the interior with his flashlight.
When the driver lowered his window, Patrolman Estevez detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle. The driver, identified as Donald M. Diorio Jr., 38, of Cedar Grove, told police he had a flat tire and was waiting for a tow truck. He denied drinking any alcoholic beverages.
Diorio agreed to perform standardized field sobriety tests. According to the police report, he lost his balance several times and failed to perform the heel-to-toe steps during the walk-and-turn test. Patrolman Angelo Macera arrived and administered the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, observing signs of impairment in both eyes.
Diorio was placed under arrest and transported to Police Headquarters, where Patrolman Paul Christal administered an Alcotest. Diorio’s blood alcohol content was determined to be 0.137 percent, above the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
The vehicle was impounded by M.J. Corigliano Towing. Diorio was later released to a family member.
Diorio was charged with:
- Driving While Intoxicated (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50)
- Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96)
- Careless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97)
- Failure to Possess Driver’s License (N.J.S.A. 39:3-29a)
- Failure to Possess Insurance Card (N.J.S.A. 39:3-29c)
Editor’s Note: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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