Drunk Driving Charge for Man Who Allegedly Left Scene of Accident

Madison police made multiple arrests last week on charges of driving under the influence and outstanding warrants.

A report of a motor vehicle accident brought Ptl. Chad Rybka to 44 South Street at 10:05 p.m. on July 24. Rybka arrested 29-year-old Gino Pascarella of East Hanover and charged him with driving under the influence. An investigation determined that Pascarella had left the scene of the accident, but was located a short while later. Rybka also determined that Pascarella was allegedly operating his vehicle under the influence of alcohol. He was taken to headquarters for processing and released to a friend. He was also issued a motor vehicle summons for leaving the scene of the accident.

At 2:27 a.m. on July 24, Rybka arrested Carlos Meza-Diaz, 25, of Morristown and charged him with driving under the influence. Rybka initially stopped Meza-Diaz on Route 24 for a motor vehicle violation.  He determined that he was allegedly operating his vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Meza-Diaz was taken to headquarters for processing and released to a friend pending a mandatory court appearance. Meza was also issued a motor vehicle summons for failure to maintain a lane.

Jennifer Solondz, 45, of Warren was arrested at 2:50 a.m. on July 21 by Sgt. Peter Iossa, who charged her with driving under the influence. Iossa initially stopped Solondz on Route 24 for a motor vehicle violation. He determined that she was allegedly operating her vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Solondz was taken to headquarters for processing and released to a family member pending a mandatory court appearance. Solondz was also issued motor vehicle summonses for failure to submit to a required breath test, speeding, and careless driving.

At 11:54 p.m. on July 21 Ptl. Craig Perrelli arrested 22-year-old Marcelino Vega of Newark. Perrelli had been contacted by the Mount Olive Police Department, who had Marcelino in custody on a $750  criminal warrant for failure to appear issued by the Madison Municipal Court. He was taken to headquarters for processing and taken to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a mandatory court appearance.

On July 21 at 4:40 p.m., Lt. Jerry Mantone arrested Jhon Castaneda, 41, of Madison on the strength of an arrest warrant issued by Madison Municipal Court for issuing a bad check in the amount of $1,600 to a friend. He was processed at headquarters and released pending a mandatory court appearance. Ptl. Ken Shannon assisted with the arrest.

Christian Hall, 23, of Orange was arrested by Ptl. Rybka at 5:56 a.m. on July 20 on the strength of two traffic warrants issued by Orange Municipal Court totaling $ 1,211. Rybka initially stopped Hall for a motor vehicle violation near 227 Main Street. A computer check on his driver’s license alerted Rybka to the active warrants. Hall was taken to headquarters for processing and released to Orange authorities pending a mandatory court appearance. Hall was also issued motor vehicle summonses for careless driving and driving with a suspended driver’s license. Ptl. Maccario assisted with the arrest.

The police, Fire Department, and Volunteer Ambulance Corps responded to 10 medical emergencies during the week.

Police investigated six motor vehicle crashes during that time.