DOVER – In the early hours of Friday, December 13, 2024, the Dover Police Department arrested Carlos Mondragon, a local resident, for driving while intoxicated after a routine traffic stop revealed signs of impairment. The incident occurred around 2:12 a.m. on West Clinton Street.
Dover Police Officer German Liranzo, while patrolling northbound on West Clinton Street, observed a Jeep Wrangler failing to maintain its lane and nearly causing a collision near Davis Avenue. The officer followed the vehicle, which continued to veer over the solid white line, and conducted a traffic stop near White Street and West Clinton Street.
Upon approaching the vehicle, Officer Liranzo detected the odor of alcohol and noted Mr. Mondragon’s bloodshot, watery eyes. The driver admitted to consuming “two beers” earlier that evening at Tequila’s 55, a restaurant on East Blackwell Street. During the interaction, Mr. Mondragon appeared unsteady and swayed while standing, prompting officers to administer standardized field sobriety tests.
Mr. Mondragon struggled with the tests, exhibiting difficulty maintaining balance and following instructions. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed two open containers of Michelob Ultra beer.
Following his arrest, Mr. Mondragon was transported to Dover Police Headquarters, where he was read his Miranda Rights in Spanish and provided two breath samples at neighboring police facilities due to equipment issues. Both tests registered a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.14%, nearly double the legal limit of 0.08%.
Mr. Mondragon was charged with
•Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) – Violation of New Jersey Statute 39:4-50.
•Failure to Maintain Lane – Violation of New Jersey Statute 39:4-88.
•Possession of Open Alcoholic Beverage Containers in a Motor Vehicle – Violation of New Jersey Statute 39:4-51b.
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.
The Dover Police Department reminds residents of the dangers of impaired driving and encourages the community to prioritize road safety.
