JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — In the early morning hours of Saturday, September 6, Jefferson Township Police Officer Matthew Johnson conducted a motor vehicle stop that led to the arrest of a local man for driving while intoxicated.
According to police reports, Officer Johnson was on routine patrol when he observed a gray 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt traveling north on Route 15 in an erratic manner. The vehicle was seen drifting between lanes, crossing the fog line, and driving approximately ten miles per hour below the speed limit. The officer initiated a traffic stop after the driver pulled onto the shoulder along Route 181.
The driver, identified as Carlos Jaramillo-Masias, 35, of Hopatcong, appeared disoriented and was slow to provide identification. Instead of a driver’s license, Jaramillo-Masias presented a library card and an AAA membership card belonging to other individuals. Officer Johnson noted the strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech, and fumbling movements during the interaction.
After further questioning, the officer conducted a series of field sobriety tests, which Jaramillo-Masias did not perform as instructed. He exhibited multiple signs of impairment, including lack of balance, bloodshot and watery eyes, and difficulty following directions. He was subsequently placed under arrest for suspected driving while intoxicated.
Jaramillo-Masias was transported to the Sparta Police Department by Officer Adam Riley, where he submitted breath samples resulting in a blood alcohol concentration of .13%, exceeding the legal limit in New Jersey. His vehicle was impounded by Richie’s Auto Wreckers for the mandatory 12-hour hold period.
He was issued multiple summonses, including:
- Driving While Intoxicated (39:4-50)
- Reckless Driving (39:4-96)
- Failure to Maintain Lane (39:4-88)
- Failure to Possess Driver’s License (39:3-29A)
Jaramillo-Masias was later released to a responsible adult.
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.
