During the nearly month-long period of the holiday season, the Gloucester Township Police Department arrested 13 offenders for DWI
The following is a release from the Gloucester Township Police Department:
During the past holiday season, The Gloucester Township Police Department (GTPD) partnered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and participated in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Year End Holiday Crackdown.
Between Dec. 7 and Jan. 1, GTPD increased proactive enforcement operations utilizing marked and unmarked patrols designed to combat instances of DWI incidents due to drugs and alcohol. As a result of these enhanced efforts, GTPD showed zero tolerance for impaired driving, arresting 13 offenders for DWI. Additionally, 61 drivers were issued summonses for driving with a suspended driver’s license and 83 summonses were issued for careless, reckless or otherwise unsafe driving behavior.
In addition to the 13 arrests for DWI, GTPD also made several significant arrests as a result of increased patrols for other criminal violations. On Dec. 13, a motor vehicle stop was conducted on Berlin Cross Keys Road where the officer detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded firearm and two large capacity magazines. Four occupants of the vehicle were arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, prohibited weapons, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and certain person prohibited from possessing a firearm.
On Dec. 20, a motor vehicle stop was conducted after the driver was suspected of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Located near the vehicle were several beer cans as well as a controlled dangerous substance. A search of the vehicle reveled a handgun loaded with hollow point ammunition inside. The driver was arrested for the weapons possession, as well as charged with DWI due to being under the influence of drugs.
Finally on Dec. 21, an intoxicated driver was located after they fled the scene of a crash with injuries on Blackwood Clementon Road, which resulted in the driver being charged with assault by auto.
Unfortunately during the month of Dec. 2017, approximately 885 people were killed in crashes involving a drunk driver. The GTPD was proud to work with the NHTSA in support of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Year End Crackdown campaign which aimed to reduce the number of people who lost their lives in traffic crashes involving DWI. The GTPD reminds residents that drunk driving is not only illegal; it is a matter of life and death. If you see a suspected drunk driver on the road contact law enforcement immediately to report the incident.
For additional information on the dangers of drinking and driving and on the designated driver program, visit http://www.nj.gov/oag/hts/index.html and http://www.madd.org.
