DOVER – In the early hours of Friday, December 13, 2024, the Dover Police Department arrested Carlos Mondragon, a local resident, for driving while intoxicated after a routine traffic stop revealed signs of impairment. The incident occurred around 2:12 a.m. on West Clinton Street.

Dover Police Officer German Liranzo, while patrolling northbound on West Clinton Street, observed a Jeep Wrangler failing to maintain its lane and nearly causing a collision near Davis Avenue. The officer followed the vehicle, which continued to veer over the solid white line, and conducted a traffic stop near White Street and West Clinton Street.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Officer Liranzo detected the odor of alcohol and noted Mr. Mondragon’s bloodshot, watery eyes. The driver admitted to consuming “two beers” earlier that evening at Tequila’s 55, a restaurant on East Blackwell Street. During the interaction, Mr. Mondragon appeared unsteady and swayed while standing, prompting officers to administer standardized field sobriety tests.

Mr. Mondragon struggled with the tests, exhibiting difficulty maintaining balance and following instructions. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed two open containers of Michelob Ultra beer.

Following his arrest, Mr. Mondragon was transported to Dover Police Headquarters, where he was read his Miranda Rights in Spanish and provided two breath samples at neighboring police facilities due to equipment issues. Both tests registered a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.14%, nearly double the legal limit of 0.08%.

Mr. Mondragon was charged with

•Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) – Violation of New Jersey Statute 39:4-50.
•Failure to Maintain Lane – Violation of New Jersey Statute 39:4-88.
•Possession of Open Alcoholic Beverage Containers in a Motor Vehicle – Violation of New Jersey Statute 39:4-51b.

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.

The Dover Police Department reminds residents of the dangers of impaired driving and encourages the community to prioritize road safety.

DOVER — Aldo Luciano Cicchetti, 87, a cherished resident of Dover, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025. Renowned for his warmth, kindness, and dedication to his community, Cicchetti leaves a legacy of service and cherished memories.

Cicchetti began his public service in 1974 as a 3rd Ward Alderman. In 1982, he was elected mayor, a role he held until 1992, making him Dover’s third-longest-serving mayor. Following his mayoral tenure, he served as 3rd Ward Alderman for an additional 16 years, cementing his reputation as a tireless advocate for the community.

Alongside his public service, Cicchetti operated the Dover Corner Market for over 34 years, where he provided not just groceries but also a listening ear to residents. Known for riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle to the town hall, Cicchetti’s approachable nature and genuine care for his neighbors became hallmarks of his leadership.

After retiring from public office, he spent 13 years as an assistant meat manager at Kings Supermarket. He served as a Commissioner for the Dover Water Commission for 18 years, demonstrating his continued commitment to his community.

Cicchetti was preceded in death by his parents, Luciano and Benilda Cicchetti (Santucci), and his siblings, Bernard “Bergie,” Batista “Tito,” Domenic “Gumps,” Anna Rosica, Alma Royek, and Ada Visioli.

He is survived by his sister, Anita Hulsman; his wife, Anita Cicchetti; his children, Aldo Cicchetti, Jr. (Sue Friel), Lisa Newkirk (Cicchetti), Christopher Cicchetti (Tammy), and Julie Cicchetti; his grandchildren, Christopher Newkirk, Jr. (Sarah Sacasa) and Jamie Newkirk; and his great-grandchildren, Destiny Newkirk and Sienna Newkirk.

A visitation was held on January 15 at Tuttle Funeral Home in Randolph, followed by a funeral Mass on January 16 at Sacred Heart Parish in Dover.

In his memory, the family requests donations to the Dover Rescue Squad, 37 N. Sussex Street, Dover, NJ 07801. Cicchetti’s legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire and shape Dover for generations to come.

DOVER — Come in from the cold, enjoy a warm cup of coffee, and connect with members of the Dover Police Department at the Dover Free Public Library on Tuesday, January 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Coffee with a Cop offers a casual and friendly opportunity for community members to meet local police officers, discuss concerns, and learn more about each other.

This free event is open to everyone, so stop by and join the conversation!

DOVER — The Town of Dover Mayor and Council will meet on Tuesday, January 14 at 7:00 p.m. at 37 North Sussex Street.

Click here to download the agenda.

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 Citizen on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and published in the Daily Record on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, and the Citizen on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Notice was also posted on the Bulletin Board of the Municipal Building. These notices were sent within 48 hours before this meeting, and insufficient time for the publications to publish them. A copy of said notice is on file with the Municipal Clerk. It should be noted that an interpreter is present if a resident should need one.

Mayor James Dodd
(December 31, 2027)

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

Sandra Wittner
Council Member – First Ward
(December 31, 2026)

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

Geovani Estacio
Council Member – Second Ward
(December 31, 2026)

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

Veronica Velez
Council Member – Third Ward
(December 31, 2026)

Marcos Tapia, Sr.
Council Member – Fourth Ward
(December 31, 2026)

Arturo “A.B.” Santana
Council Member – Fourth Ward
(December 31, 2025)

DOVER – A 42-year-old man, Jorge Leon of Dover, was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) following a traffic stop early on December 14, 2024 at approximately 2:00 a.m.

The incident occurred when Dover Police Officer Ulises Corona observed a Ford F-250 pickup truck speeding on East Blackwell Street and crossing over the double yellow lines.

The vehicle clocked at 37 and 43 mph in a 25-mph zone, and it was pulled over near 100 East Blackwell Street. Upon approaching the driver, Officer Corona noted signs of impairment, including slurred speech, watery eyes, a flushed face, and an admission from Leon that he had consumed “maybe three” alcoholic drinks earlier at a local bar and nightclub.

Field sobriety tests conducted at the scene further indicated impairment. According to the police report:

• Leon failed to follow instructions during the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test.
• He struggled with balance and proper steps during the Walk-and-Turn Test.
• He was unable to perform the One-Leg Stand Test despite multiple attempts.

Following the tests, Leon was arrested and transported to police headquarters for processing. He later provided a breath sample at Wharton Police Headquarters, as Dover’s testing equipment was temporarily unavailable. The sample revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.16%, double the legal limit of 0.08%.

Leon was issued several motor vehicle summonses, including:

• Driving While Intoxicated (39:4-50)
• Speeding (39:4-98)
• Failure to Maintain Lane (39:4-88)
• Careless Driving (39:4-97)
• Reckless Driving (39:4-98)

His vehicle was impounded, and Leon was released under John’s Law to a responsible party, who signed the required waiver.

Local Impact and Safety Reminder
The Dover Police Department emphasized its commitment to roadway safety, reminding residents of the dangers of impaired driving. “This case underscores the importance of making responsible decisions behind the wheel,” said a department representative.

Jorge Leon is scheduled to appear in municipal court at a later date. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks and consequences associated with drinking and 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.