Suspended Somerset County Cop Arrested Again, This Time For DUI

READINGTON, NJ — A North Plainfield Police Officer, who had already been on paid administrative leave, was arrested again on Sunday for driving under the influence.

"Lieutenant [Edward] Ciempola is currently suspended with pay. I just learned that he was arrested for D.U.I on January 18, 2026, in Readington Township in Hunterdon County," said North Plainfield Police Chief Alan McKay.

"I am very disappointed, this is totally unacceptable behavior. I am, however, thankful that nobody was injured as a result of this," said McKay.

Ciempola has been with the North Plainfield Police Department for 40 years. He was promoted to a "probationary" captain on Feb. 1, 2025. McKay said he was returned to his previous rank of Lieutenant.

Patch submitted an OPRA request to Readington for more information on the arrest.

Ciempola was previously placed on paid administrative leave in December after being caught with alcohol in his car following a crash while on duty in Branchburg, according to NJ.com.

The crash reportedly happened on Otto Road in Branchburg on July 21, according to court records obtained by NJ.com.

Ciempola was issued two municipal court summonses on Aug. 19 for careless driving and for having an open container of alcohol or unsealed cannabis in a motor vehicle, according to NJ.com.

• Related: NJ Police Captain Who Crashed While On Duty Had Alcohol Inside Car: Report

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