HANOVER TOWNSHIP — On January 1, 2026, Police Officer Patrick Thompson arrested Brendan Rudolph, 30, of East Hanover, for driving while intoxicated.
Hanover Township Police Officer Thompson responded to a single-vehicle crash on Route Ten, where Mr. Rudolph was identified as the operator of the vehicle. Mr. Rudolph was observed exhibiting signs of impairment. Field sobriety tests were administered, after which he was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. Mr. Rudolph agreed to provide a breath sample and was transported to the Florham Park Police Department for testing by Police Officer Morrisroe.
While en route, Mr. Rudolph spit in the rear of the patrol vehicle and made threatening and inappropriate statements to the officer, including stating that he hoped the officer would die a horrible death. While at the Florham Park Police Department, Mr. Rudolph continued to make additional inappropriate comments toward Police Officer Morrisroe.
Upon returning to Hanover, Mr. Rudolph was charged with disorderly conduct in addition to driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, failure to report a crash, and other motor vehicle offenses. He was released to a responsible party pending a future court date.
Editor’s 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 a reasonable doubt.
