DWI Driver Almost Hits Cop Car Head-On In Somerset County: Police

PEAPACK AND GLADSTONE, NJ — A brush fire, a DWI arrest, a theft at Matheny School and more were reported recently in Peapack and Gladstone.

On April 8 at around 7 p.m., Cpl. Morris was driving north on Route 206 when he saw a red Volkswagen driving southbound. As Morris approached the vehicle, he saw the VW drift over the double yellow lines and into the northbound lane, said police.

The VW nearly hit Morris’ patrol vehicle as well as several other vehicles behind him, said police.

Morris was able to stop the vehicle on Route 206 south at Holland Avenue. The driver was identified as Rudy Ortiz 41 of Hamilton. Ortiz had an odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person, said police.

Upon further investigation it was determined that Ortiz was driving under the influence of alcohol. Ortiz was arrested and brought back to Police Headquarters for processing.

Ortiz was charged with DWI, possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle, refusal to submit to a breath test, and careless driving.

Ortiz was later released to a responsible party.

Other police blotter items:

On March 21: Officers responded to Branch Rd. for the report of a brush fire. Upon the Officers arrival there was heavy smoke and flames coming from the wooded area alongside a residence. New Jersey State Forest Fire Service was first on scene to assess the situation. Members of the Peapack & Gladstone Fire Dept. arrived and assumed command. The fire was then extinguished. There was no damage to any residential home nor were there any injuries.

On April 3: The Peapack & Gladstone Police Dept. was alerted to a reckless driver travelling south on Rt. 206. It had been reported that a Honda CRV attempted to push another vehicle off the road in Chester Twp. Det. Ortiz, who was on Rt. 206, located the suspect vehicle and was able to stop it on Holland Rd. Upon further investigation Det. Ortiz learned that the vehicle’s registration was expired. After the operator was issued a motor vehicle summons for expired registration the investigation was turned over to the Chester Twp. Police.

On April 3: Cpl. Morris responded to Highland Ave. for the report of a female discarding leaves, sticks, dirt and rocks into the road which was causing a traffic hazard. Upon arrival Cpl. Morris located the resident of 1 Highland Ave, Cristina Iacoviello, in the process of depositing debris in the roadway. Due to the hazardous condition, Cpl. Morris contacted the Peapack & Gladstone Public Works Dept. to respond to clear the roadway. Iacovillo was then issued several borough ordinance violations.

On April 13: The Peapack & Gladstone Police Dept. is investigating the theft of several wooden pallets taken from the Matheny School. It was reported on April 13, that someone arrived at Matheny around 2 p.m. in a blue Nissan Titan. The person then proceeded to load 50-60 wooden pallet on his truck and drive off. This incident is still under investigation and if anyone has any additional information, please contact the Peapack & Gladstone Police Dept. at 908-234-0626