MORRIS COUNTY – A late-night crash on Franklin Road in Denville led to the arrest of 19-year-old Araceli Huaman for driving while intoxicated (DWI) under the legal drinking age, according to the Denville Township Police Department.

Incident Overview

On Sunday, January 26, at approximately 2:02 a.m., officers responded to a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles on Franklin Road. According to Denville Police Officer Kevin Pasino, Huaman was operating a 2008 Honda Accord when she crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan, driven by Kenneth A. Hubschman.

No injuries were reported, but both vehicles sustained damage. Huaman admitted to officers that she briefly fell asleep while driving, which led to her veering into the wrong lane.

Investigation and Field Sobriety Tests

Upon speaking with Huaman, officers detected signs of intoxication and conducted a series of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). During the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, she exhibited a lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes, along with distinct nystagmus at maximum deviation.

In the walk-and-turn test, Huaman failed to count her steps out loud, raised her arms for balance, took only eight steps instead of nine, and performed an improper turn. During the one-leg stand test, she failed to focus on her toe.

Huaman admitted to consuming a Four Loko alcoholic beverage about an hour and a half prior to the crash, claiming she had stopped drinking because she was the designated driver. When questioned about her age, she stated she was nineteen years old.

Breathalyzer Results and Arrest

Huaman was placed under arrest for underage DWI and transported to the Denville Township Police Headquarters for processing. A breathalyzer test conducted revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.07%, which is below the legal limit for individuals over 21 but constitutes a violation under New Jersey’s underage DWI laws (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.14).

Charges and Court Appearance

Huaman was charged with the following offenses:

• DWI – Underage Violator (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.14)
• Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96)
• Careless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97)
• Failure to Maintain Lane (N.J.S.A. 39:4-88)
• Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle (N.J.S.A. 39:4-51B)

Huaman was later released into the custody of a friend who signed a liability form. She is scheduled to appear in Denville Township Municipal Court on February 20, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Officer’s Statement

Officer Kevin J. Pisano, who conducted the arrest, noted that body-worn camera footage was reviewed and uploaded as evidence.

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.

MORRiS COUNTY — Rockaway UNICO will host “Walking for Hope” on Sunday, April 27, at Park Lake, a community event to raise funds and awareness for Jersey Battered Women’s Service of Morris County (JBWS).

JBWS is a private, nonprofit agency that provides safety, support, and solutions for individuals facing intimate partner abuse in Morris County. The organization assists victims, survivors, and their children fleeing violence, offering a range of critical services to help them rebuild their lives. More information about JBWS can be found at JBWS.org.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
• Location: Park Lake, Rockaway
• Time: The walk begins at 9:30 a.m.; registration starts at 9:00 a.m.
• Cost: $25.00 per participant (Children 12 and under participate for free and can join a special Kids Run, no registration required)
• Pre-registration Deadline: March 31 (Pre-register to receive a free event t-shirt)

In addition to walkers, Rockaway UNICO is seeking sponsors and donations to help support JBWS’s mission. Sponsorships start at $175.00. Sponsors will receive a t-shirt with their name or business logo on the event shirts.

To register, sponsor, or donate, visit RTUNICO.org for more information and forms.

This charity walk offers an opportunity for the community to come together to support domestic violence victims while enjoying a morning of exercise and camaraderie at Park Lake.

MORRIS COUNTY — Mario M. Kranjac has officially entered the New Jersey governor’s race, bringing what his campaign describes as a political outsider’s perspective to the Republican primary. A news release announcing his candidacy described Kranjac as “a political outsider, successful self-made attorney and businessman, and unapologetic supporter of President Trump.”

The statement continued, “Mario will bring fresh thinking, reform, and change to Trenton.”

Kranjac joins a growing Republican field that includes former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, Senator Jon Bramnick, former State Senator Ed Durr, and conservative radio host Bill Spadea.

On the Democratic side, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, former NJ Senate President Steve Sweeney, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, and Rep. Josh Gottheimer have all announced their candidacies.

The race is expected to be highly competitive as candidates from both parties present their visions for New Jersey’s future.

DENVILLE — Authorities said a cable worker has been charged with theft after allegedly stealing a blank check from a Denville residence.

On January 31, police responded to a report regarding a missing blank check. Following an investigation, Alwin Vogleson, 23, of East Orange, was identified as the suspect. Police determined that Vogleson had taken the check while performing work at home.

Vogleson was arrested and charged with theft. He was released pending a court appearance.

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.