HANOVER — On September 15, 2024, Hanover Township Officer Jake Crane arrested 22-year-old Alex Rivera-Rodriguez of Dover, for driving while intoxicated.
At approximately 2:20 a.m. Hanover Township Police Officers Jake Crane, Ptl. Manney, and Ptl. Gallagher responded to a noise complaint in a parking lot near Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Legion Place. Upon arrival, they found a group of individuals loitering in the parking lot. The officers began advising people to leave the premises when they noticed a white Kia Forte attempting to exit the lot without headlights turned on.
The driver, identified as Alex Rivera-Rodriguez, only spoke Spanish and did not initially comply with Officer Crane’s instruction to turn on his vehicle’s lights. When prompted, Rodriguez appeared confused but eventually complied. However, a few moments later, Rodriguez drove onto the grass and struck a large rock while attempting to leave the parking lot.
Officer Crane then approached the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Upon engaging with Rodriguez, Officer Crane noted signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes and the odor of alcohol on his breath. Rodriguez exhibited further difficulty standing and keeping his balance while interacting with officers, leading Officer Crane to initiate a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST). Due to the language barrier, Spanish-speaking officers were called to assist in administering the test.
However, Rodriguez was unable to complete the field sobriety tests due to his level of intoxication. Officer Macarico, who was present to assist, confirmed that Rodriguez was incapable of performing the tests. Consequently, Rodriguez was placed under arrest for driving under the influence. A search of the vehicle revealed no weapons or contraband. Rodriguez was transported to Morristown Medical Center for a blood alcohol test after vomiting multiple times during the transport.
Rodriguez was issued several summonses:
*39:3-47A – Failure to use lighted lamps when required
*39:4-58 – Delaying traffic
*39:4-67 – Obstructing passage of other vehicles
*39:4-38 – Traffic on marked lanes
*39:4-95 – Reckless driving
*39:4-97 – Careless driving
*39:4-50 – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
His vehicle was impounded and was scheduled to appear in Hanover Township Municipal Court on September 30.
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.
