MORRIS PLAINS — On Friday, September 13, Morris Plains Police Officer Kelvin Preciado was dispatched to Gilles Avenue at approximately 11:33 p.m. following a report of a dark pickup truck that had allegedly swiped a parked vehicle and crashed into a fence. After arriving at the scene, Officer Preciado observed extensive damage to a navy blue Ford F-250’s front passenger side, as well as signs indicating that the driver had attempted to flee the scene.
The vehicle was parked at the corner of Glenbrook Road and Stiles Avenue. The officer activated his emergency lights, signaling the driver.
When the officer approached the driver, identified as Nicholas M. Salerno, 20, Randolph, he noticed several indicators of impairment. Officer Preciado reported a strong odor of alcohol and observed that Salerno’s eyes were bloodshot and watery. When asked about recent alcohol consumption, Salerno initially denied drinking that day, despite admitting that his vehicle had been previously involved in another incident where it was hit by a truck two weeks prior.
Suspecting intoxication, Officer Preciado initiated a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST). The driver reportedly struggled with multiple portions of the test, including the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, the Walk and Turn test, and the One Leg Stand test. During the Walk and Turn test, Salerno stumbled on his first step, missed several heel-to-toe steps, and had difficulty maintaining balance. The One Leg Stand test also posed a challenge, as he lost balance and placed his foot down multiple times.
After completing the tests, Officer Preciado determined that Salerno was intoxicated and not fit to operate a motor vehicle. He advised Salerno that he was under arrest, secured him in handcuffs, and read him his Miranda Rights. A subsequent search of Salerno’s vehicle yielded eight unopened cans of Coors Light beer and an additional prescription bottle with a different pill inside.
Salerno was transported to the Parsippany Police Department for further processing. While in transit, Salerno reportedly remained calm, cooperative, and respectful, engaging in minimal conversation. Upon arrival, he was placed in a holding cell while Officer Preciado proceeded with the necessary protocols for an Alcotest.
During initial processing, Salerno’s breath samples resulted in an error message prompting the officers to transport him to Randolph Police Headquarters to complete the Alcotest. At Randolph Police Department, Salerno completed two valid breath samples. The test yielded a blood alcohol concentration of .13%, above the legal limit.
Salerno later admitted to the officers he drank five bottles of Modelos (Beer) at a friend’s residence, drinking his last beer at approximately 11:00 p.m.
Following the breathalyzer test, authorities contacted a responsible individual who arrived to assume custody of Nicolas Salerno. The individual signed a John’s Law Potential Liability Waiver, indicating responsibility for Nicholas’s release and promising to prevent him from further driving while intoxicated.
Salerno was issued the following summons:
- 39:4-50 – Driving While Intoxicated
- 39:4-96 – Reckless Driving
- 39:4-97A – Careless Driving
- 39:4-50.4A – Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test
- 39:4-97 – Unsafe Driving
- 39:4-129B – Failure to Report an Accident
- 39:8-1 – Failure to Inspect3
- 9:4-130 – Failure to Exhibit Documents
Morris Plains Patrolman Kosakowski remained on the scene with the vehicle until Basking Ridge Towing arrived, and the vehicle was impounded.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safe and responsible driving, particularly in residential areas.
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.
