DOVER — On Sunday evening, October 6, around 9:02 p.m., Dover Police Officers responded to Orchard Street following a report of a collision involving a parked vehicle. A concerned resident had called in, alerting dispatch to a black SUV that struck an unoccupied car and appeared to be attempting to flee the scene.
When Dover Police Officers Michael Cannon and Rubens Moreau arrived, they encountered a black Ford Explorer, severely damaged on the passenger side, and a black Nissan Rogue, which had been pushed up onto the sidewalk by the force of the impact. Inside the Explorer, officers found Wesley Phelan, still seated and attempting to maneuver the damaged vehicle.
As Phelan exited the SUV, officers noticed signs that suggested impairment. He swayed as he stood and struggled to keep his balance, with visibly watery, bloodshot eyes. Officer Cannon also detected a strong odor of alcohol as they spoke, while Phelan’s speech was notably slow, slurred, and halting. When asked about his whereabouts before the crash, Phelan admitted to having spent the evening at the local American Legion post, where he had consumed five beers.
After a brief discussion, the officers requested that Phelan participate in field sobriety tests, which he declined. Based on his behavior and statements, Officer Cannon placed Phelan under arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence. Following protocol, Phelan was handcuffed, checked for weapons, and transported to Rockaway Borough Police Department to undergo a breathalyzer test. However, upon arrival, he refused to provide a breath sample.
Wesley Phelan received the following summonses:
- 39:4-50 – Operating Under the Influence of Liquor or Drugs
- 39:4-50.2 – Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test
- 39:4-97 – Careless Driving
Once processed, Phelan was released into the custody of his daughter. A court date was set for October 21, where Phelan would face the legal consequences of the night’s events.
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.
