Jefferson Township Man Arrested on DWI, Drug Charges After Erratic Driving on Berkshire Valley Road

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A 29-year-old man was arrested on May 26, after Jefferson Township Police officers observed him driving erratically on Berkshire Valley Road and subsequently determined he was under the influence of narcotics.

Daniel J. Devries was stopped in the parking lot of 5478 Berkshire Valley Road after officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a red Mazda CX5, swerving over the center line and nearly striking oncoming vehicles.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Jefferson Township Police Officer Kristin Merker observed signs of impairment. Devries submitted to pre-exit sobriety testing and passed all three assessments, but refused to perform standard field sobriety tests after exiting the vehicle. A Drug Recognition Expert from Vernon PD was subsequently called in and concluded that Devries was under the influence of narcotics. A breath test returned a BAC of 0.00%.

A search of the vehicle uncovered wax folds known to contain heroin, caps known to contain narcotics, burnt foil, a rolled dollar bill, and Kratom in both powder and tablet form. A burnt glass pipe and “chore boy” — items associated with CDS use — were recovered from Devries’ person.

Devries was charged with the following:

• Driving while intoxicated (39:4-50)
• Possession of CDS/under the influence (2C:35-10)
• CDS possession in a motor vehicle (39:4-49.1)
• Traffic on marked lanes (39:4-88)
• Reckless driving (39:4-96)

Devries was released to a friend under John’s Law. His vehicle was towed and impounded. A court date was set.

Editor’s Note: 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.