Mount Olive Police report that on Dec. 30, 2011 at 5:37 pm an officer responded to a motor vehicle crash on Route 46 near the TD Bank. Upon patrol arrival it was determined that a 1998 Jeep that was driven by Mr. Eric Koss, 48, of Long Valley, N.J. had struck a stopped 2007 Hyundai that was operated by Ms. Christina Hayes.
The 2007 Hyundai was stopped in traffic behind other vehicles that were waiting for a red traffic light. Ms. Hayes, and both passengers, a 13 year old female and a 10 male, were transported to Hackettstown Regional Medical Center for injuries sustained from the crash.
During the course of the investigation, Cpl. Carl Mase detected that Koss was impaired due to alcohol consumption. After failing field sobriety tests, Koss was arrested and transported to police headquarters.
At police headquarters Koss submitted to a chemical breath test at which time he was charged with driving while intoxicated, assault by automobile, reckless driving, and operating an unregistered vehicle. He was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in default of $25,000 bail.
While on patrol on Dec. 31, 2011 at 1:53 am., Officer Michael Zarro observed a 2005 Toyota traveling south on Route 206 that was failing to maintain a lane of travel.
A motor vehicle stop was conducted after the vehicle made a wide turn onto Alden Terrace at which time the driver was identified as Leah McPeak, 19, of Flanders, N.J. While speaking with McPeak Officer Zarro detected that she was impaired due to alcohol consumption.
After failing field sobriety tests Ms. McPeak was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. While securing Ms. McPeak, Officer Zarro located a small glass pipe with burnt marijuana residue concealed in her clothing. McPeak was transported to police headquarters where while in processing a small cell phone case was collected from her person which contained a small quantity of suspected marijuana and suspected marijuana cigarette.
Ms McPeak submitted to chemical breath test and was charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and issued summons for reckless driving, unsafe lane change, obstructed view, expired insurance card, and possession of CDS in a motor vehicle. She was released on her own recognizance pending a court appearance.
