Crime & Safety

Drunk Driver Refused To Be Breathalyzed: Chatham Police

Matthew J. Eckman was eventually released to a family member, police said.

CHATHAM, NJ - A 44-year-old New Vernon man was charged with driving while intoxicated after a motor vehicle stop on Aug. 8, according to the Chatham Township Police Department.

According to authorities, shortly before 1:30 a.m. Patrolman Nicholas Giordano pulled over a vehicle on Memorial Way after observing the driver commit a motor vehicle violation. After speaking with the driver, Matthew J. Eckman, and conducting a subsequent investigation, Eckman was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, police said.

Eckman was processed at Police Headquarters and released to a family member pending a future Municipal Court Hearing. Eckman was charged with Driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to the taking of breath samples and other motor vehicle violations, police said.

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