DOVER — The Town of Dover Mayor and Council will meet on Tuesday, September 10, at 7:00 p.m. at 37 North Sussex Street. I guess one of these shifts are locked in is my password up low and I can’t login and then you’re stuck in limo somewhere somehow

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This meeting is being held in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, also known as the Sunshine Law, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6. Notice of the meeting was sent to the Daily Record and Star-Ledger on January 2, 2024, and published in the Record and Ledger on January 5, 2024. It was sent to the Citizen on February 2, 2024, and published in the Citizen on February 7, 2024. Notice was also posted on the Bulletin Board of the Municipal Building.” These notices were sent within 48 hours before this meeting, and there was sufficient time for the publications to publish them. A copy of said notice is on file with the Municipal Clerk.

Mayor James Dodd
(December 31, 2027)

Claudia P. Toro
Council Member – First Ward
(December 31, 2025)

Sandra Wittner
Council Member – First Ward
(December 31, 2024)

Sergio Rodriguez
Council Member – Second Ward
(December 31, 2025)

Geovani Estacio
Council Member – Second Ward
(December 31, 2024)

Michael Scarneo
Council Member – Third Ward
(December 31, 2025)

Karol Ruiz
Council Member – Third Ward
(December 31, 2024)

DOVER — On Monday, August 19, 2024, at approximately 1:51 a.m., Dover Patrol Officer Ulises Corona noticed a black sedan speeding along East Blackwell Street, swerving between lanes. The officer had initially been addressing another individual for a local ordinance violation involving an open container of alcohol. Upon seeing the erratic driving, the officer shifted focus to pursue the vehicle. The officer activated emergency lights, followed the sedan as it accelerated, and ran a red light at the intersection of South Salem Street.

The officer caught up with the vehicle as it turned into the 262 East Blackwell Street parking lot. Upon approaching the car, the officer identified the driver as Oswaldo Chavez, 29, of Morristown. When Chavez leaned to his right inside the vehicle, the officer opened the door to stop him and requested assistance from another officer. The interaction took place in Spanish, as Chavez only spoke Spanish. He appeared disoriented, with a strong smell of alcohol on his breath, and he repeatedly gave slow responses to the officer’s questions.

Chavez admitted to drinking alcohol that night, initially stating he had one drink but later acknowledging he had two. He was unable to produce a valid driver’s license. The officer then conducted field sobriety tests, which led to the determination that Chavez was impaired.

Chavez was arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) and handcuffed. His car was impounded, and he was transported to the Dover Police Headquarters for processing. Due to the department’s breathalyzer machine being out of service, Chavez was taken to Randolph Police Headquarters, where he provided two valid breath samples, revealing a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.23%, well over the legal limit.

Chavez was issued the following traffic summonses:

1. 39:4-50 – Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
2. 39:4-50.19 Failure to install interlock/drive car without interlock
3. 39:3-10 – Driving without a license
4. 39:3-40 – Driving after Drivers License/Registration Suspended/Revoked
5. 39:4-81(A) – Failure to obey a traffic signal

He was released into the custody of a responsible adult after signing the necessary paperwork.

This incident underscores the importance of responsible driving and the serious consequences of impaired driving.

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.

DOVER — On Monday, August 12, 2024, at 1:56 a.m., Dover Police Officer German Liranzo observed a black Honda Accord traveling southbound on South Morris Street. The vehicle was pulled over after it was noticed that the rear license plate lights were not functioning. The officer conducted the stop near the intersection of West Chrystal Street and Searing Lane. As the vehicle pulled over, it began to reverse unsafely toward the patrol car, forcing the officer to sound the emergency horn. Despite this, the vehicle continued to reverse, and the officer had to put the patrol car in reverse to avoid a collision.

The officer then approached the driver, Kevin Gonzalezmarin, 20, from Dover, and informed him of the reason for the stop. While speaking with Mr. Gonzalezmarin, the officer detected the smell of alcohol coming from inside the vehicle and noticed that the driver’s eyes were bloodshot and watery. When asked, Mr. Gonzalezmarin admitted to having “two small drinks.” He also stated that he was not on any medication and had no vision problems, though he mentioned an old soccer injury to his left foot.

Mr. Gonzalezmarin was then asked to leave the vehicle and perform standardized field sobriety tests. The tests were conducted on a flat surface with no obstructions, and the driver was given clear instructions, which he confirmed he understood. During the tests, Mr. Gonzalezmarin exhibited several signs of impairment. In the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, he showed distinct Nystagmus at maximum deviation and onset Nystagmus before reaching 45 degrees. He missed heel-to-toe steps and turned improperly during the Walk-and-turn test. Lastly, in the One-Leg Stand test, he swayed from front to back, used his arms for balance, and placed his foot down.

Based on these observations, Mr. Gonzalezmarin was arrested for driving while intoxicated. He was handcuffed and informed of his Miranda rights in Spanish, which he understood. His vehicle was released to his mother, Luz Marin Cardona, and a search of the vehicle did not yield any intoxicants.

Mr. Gonzalezmarin was then transported to Dover Police Headquarters for processing. During processing, he admitted to taking medication for his left foot before drinking alcohol. As the Dover Police Department’s breathalyzer machine was out of order, he was taken to the Rockaway Borough Police Department, but the machine there also malfunctioned. They arrived at Randolph Police Department, where Mr. Gonzalezmarin provided two valid breath samples. The results showed a blood alcohol content of 0.04 percent.

Mr. Gonzalezmarin was issued the following summons:

•39:3-13.4(B) – Probationary Licensee-too many passengers-after hours
•39:3-66 – Maintenance of Lamps
•49:4-50 – Operating under the influence of liquor or drugs

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.