DOVER — On Saturday, January 18, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., the Dover Police Department responded to a report of a driver asleep at a stop sign at the intersection of East Dickerson Street and South Morris Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a silver 2015 Honda Accord with the driver, later identified as Oscar Gonzalez, 49, Dover, asleep behind the wheel. The vehicle was still in drive, and the doors were locked.
Officers were unsuccessful after multiple attempts to wake him by knocking on the window and shaking the vehicle. For safety reasons, an officer used a window punch to break the window, allowing them to place the vehicle in park and turn it off.
Once Gonzalez exited the vehicle, officers detected bloodshot, watery eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol. Gonzalez stated he was at a local establishment and had consumed five bottles of beer.
Field Sobriety & Breath Test Results
Gonzalez was asked to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), which resulted in the following:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test – Lacked smooth pursuit, showed distinct Nystagmus at maximum deviation, and exhibited onset Nystagmus before 45 degrees.
- Walk and Turn Test – He could not maintain balance, and the test was terminated for his safety.
- One Leg Stand Test – Swayed in a circular motion, placed his foot down multiple times, and the test was again terminated for his safety.
Based on his performance, Gonzalez was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
He was transported to police headquarters, provided with the Standard Statement form in Spanish and agreed to a breath test. Due to Dover’s Alcotest machine being out of order, he was taken to the Randolph Police Department for testing.
The breathalyzer test resulted in a BAC of .14%, which exceeds the legal limit of 0.08%.
Gonzalez was issued the following summonses:
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50) – BAC of .14%, exceeding the legal limit of 0.08%.
- Obstructing Passage of Other Vehicles (N.J.S.A. 39:4-67) – The vehicle stopped at an intersection while the driver was asleep.
- Careless Driving: Likely to Endanger Person or Property (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97) – Creating a roadway hazard by remaining at a stop sign in an unresponsive state.
Gonzalez is scheduled to appear in court on the charges. He could face fines, license suspension, and possible jail time if convicted.
Gonzalez was later released into the custody of a friend who signed the responsible party form. His vehicle was towed under John’s Law.
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.
