DWI Arrest

[Lt. Robert Osborn]

On Thursday, 3/19/15 at 2:12p.m., Off-Duty Newton Police Officer John Flanagan observed a 2014 Toyota Camry turn right from Mill Street onto Water Street before briefly leaving the road and striking a signpost.  The vehicle then continued Southbound on Water Street onto Rt. 94 South reportedly almost striking another vehicle head on.  Officer Flanagan followed the vehicle in question until it was stopped by a marked Newton Police patrol vehicle as it proceeded into Fredon Twp. 

Subsequent investigation revealed that the operator of the vehicle, identified as Thera J. Runnalls, age 24, of Rt. 94, Newton was under the influence.  A search incident to arrest revealed that Runnalls was also in possession of a controlled dangerous substance (less than 50 grams of marijuana).

As a result, Thera Runnalls was charged with the following offenses:

39:4-97      Careless Driving

39:4-129    Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident

39:4-130    Failure to Report a Motor Vehicle Accident

39:4-50      Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence

39:3-40      Operating a Motor Vehicle While Driver’s License is Suspended

39:4-49.1   Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance in a Motor Vehicle

 

N.J.S. 2C:35-10a  Possession of C.D.S. (Less than 50 grams of Marijuana)  Disorderly Persons Offense

 

Runnalls was processed and released pending an appearance in Newton Municipal Court.

 

Signpost was undamaged.  Runnalls vehicle sustained damage to passenger side.

 

Investigating Officers:

Ptl. John Flanagan, Ptl. Jose Morales, Ptl. Shawn Burke, Sgt. Scott King (Newton Police)

Ptl. Ronald Koumaras (Vernon Twp. Police)