JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated following a motor vehicle stop on Route 15 during the early morning hours of Friday, January 3, 2026.
According to the Jefferson Township Police Officer MatthewJohnson, at approximately 1:42 a.m., officers observed a 2025 Acura MDX traveling northbound on Route 15 near Club 15. Police reported the vehicle failed to maintain its lane and nearly struck another motorist, prompting a traffic stop.
The driver, identified as Nico Vega, age 36, of Santa Ana, California, was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Officers stated they detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from inside the vehicle. Vega allegedly admitted to consuming alcohol approximately one hour prior to the stop.
Police reported locating an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle.
Field sobriety tests were administered at the scene. According to the report, officers observed multiple indicators of impairment during the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, Walk-and-Turn test, and One-Leg Stand test. Officers concluded Vega was suspected of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
Vega was transported to Jefferson Township Police Headquarters, where he was administered an Alcotest. The report indicates two valid breath samples were obtained, with a reported blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 percent.
He was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, and Wrong Way on a One Way Street. Vega was processed and later released pending a court appearance in Jefferson Township Municipal Court.
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.
